Posted on 01/27/2006 7:51:24 AM PST by Wrangler22
As I sit back and reflect on the elections in Palestine, I am struck by the immediate reaction of the Left, particularly the general tenor of the Media. The response to the Palestinian people electing Hamas into leadership seemed to me to be one of “you wanted Democracy in the Middle East, well here it is”. Indeed, this point can be made, but it is a superficial interpretation of Democracy. It is true that the Palestinian people seized the opportunity to vote in the first elections in a decade. The turnout was widespread and the people let their voices be heard and their ink stained fingers pointed to a majority victory for the radical terrorist organization Hamas. Democratic elections took place and the people have spoken. On the surface, I can see why the Left sees this election as a defeat for the process of spreading Democracy in the Middle East. If you look deeper you will see the other lesson that can be learned from Democracy. A society which is given the opportunity to vote in Democratic elections will vote with its character. It comes as no surprise to me that they elected Hamas into power. They, as a people, have been raised for generations to hate Israel and to look forward to a Middle East where Israel does not exist. Voting Hamas into power was the voice of a majority of the Palestinian people speaking loudly and clearly that they want Israel eliminated and Hamas offers them a means to this end. Now that Hamas is in power, they probably hope that Israel will be dealt with and dispatched once and for all. The question now is whether or Hamas’ becoming an elected government will find that it is shackled into diplomacy, that it is no longer a fringe group of radical Islam perpetrating terror attacks from the shadows. It may well turn out to be a case of “be careful what you ask for, you might just get it”. As the government of the Palestinian nation, Hamas has now attained a new international status. As a legitimately elected government, they can now be treated the same as any sovereign nation, and will be expected, by the international community, to renounce its terrorist ways. They will not be recognized by the West unless they continue to work toward peace. Naturally one has to be skeptical about this ever taking place. Now, however, when Hamas performs terrorist acts against Israel, they face the possibility of declarations of war from Israel and her Allies. They face the intervention, however impotent, of the United Nations, and will have to decide whether or not they wish to legitimized their election and join the community of nations. It is my opinion that a tiger can not change its stripes, and that Hamas will continue to be who they are. The Palestinian people have spoken with their hearts and fingers and shown the world that they are true to their belief that Israel must go. Iran’s celebration of the victory of Hamas speaks volumes about the future of the area. Hamas will ally themselves with the prominent member of the Axis of Evil in its never ending quest to eliminate Israel from the face of the earth. When they take this fateful step, they will realize the price of Democracy is very dear indeed.
Legitimately elected government and legitimate government are two very different concepts. Responsibility has now been heaped on Hamas's back to govern. Before now, they were antagonists. Transitioning from antagonist to responsible governor is like a movie critic becoming a director. Sure it can happen... but the opening act will determine if the audience is going to sit through the entire showing.
Good post. BTTT.
The "legitimacy" was tongue in cheek. I think that Hamas has gotten more than they bargained for. It will give nations with the stones, a nation against which to declare war. Something the left always says doesn't exist in their so called illegal war on terror.
Civil wr in Palestine seems imminent. Hamas may be taken out by their own people.
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