Careful what you wish for...

[darkeyedscorp]

Hamas has won a majority of seats in Palestinian elections. -- What is interesting in this statement is the word "elections". Elections were held. A democratic process was carried through, and peaceful change of government has occurred. The same can be said for other nations, recently, as well: Bolivia, Chile, Iran, Iraq, Germany, and yes, Canada

Comments

[randomcub]

I don't know if we respect the group or the leader. But if they elected the leader by a democratic process we approve, then . . . what? I don't know. It says something that the people elected such a group to lead, but I'm not entirely certain what it says or how to respond yet.

[darkeyedscorp]

Yes and no. It means I think the Bush Administration should think carefully about its response -- which, so far, they haven't been. I think they need to acknowledge the legitimacy of the election, but reserve judgement on what it means (at this time). Otherwise what does it say but: "I'm sorry, you chose the wrong leadership, therefore we do not recognize your election?" It's the wrong message to send when we're trying to build democracies in Iraq and Afghanistan. We can't just go around dictating to other countries who they will have in power -- that's not a legitimate democracy either

[spiritquest]

The only opportunity here is the opportunity to be silent.

Whatever hope there was for a Palestine is now lost. There will be war before the end of the year. Isreal will win the battle, but will be hated even more, and tensions in the middle east will drive exports down and the price of oil up.

I should stress, that I do agree that this is a much more significant opportunity that it seems. The opportunity to be silent. The meddling USA silent? Everyone will wonder what we're up to. Well perhaps that's not good, so we should say a little... we should say we recognize their existence. Period.

[darkeyedscorp]

Good point. Silence is golden. It's a very valid response, in my book, too. But has anyone known the Bush administration to be silent?

This is just one of the worst times for us to have such group of bumbling baffoons in office. I'm not sure there will be a war or not -- the Palestinians got most of their arms from the U.S. and Europe to start -- those would run out fast if a war were to break out, and the Palestinians lost the U.S. and Europe's support.

This could be a very very very bad development if we don't react better than just sitting here and saying "we won't work with you."

[spiritquest]

Yes, I suppose it might be a fast war, but it will have a lasting effect. Israel will start it. And they won't call it a war.

[polomex]

If the repercussions weren't so unnerving, I'd find the whole thing politically hilarious.

absolutely

[rickboy]

i was having an argument with one of my co-workers about this same thing. (funny how that now that i live and work in GA i tend to run into people i disagree with about almost everything) i couldn't capture the sentiment as good as you. thanks.