Meantime, White House spokesman notes that "these people (Hamas) are nothing but thugs." Very helpful, especially from a White House that has been oblivious to the collective punishment and starvation that has been imposed by Israel upon Gazans. Of course, Israel has a right to defend itself, and firing rockets into the Negev requires a response, but indiscriminate attacks on Gaza will have at least three effects:
--Palestinian solidarity around Hamas will increase.
--Mahmoud 'Abbas will be further discredited.
Gideon Levy maintains his sanity: The neighborhood bully strikes again - Haaretz - Israel News
Added:
The Guardian offers a reminder that the Israeli occupation of Gaza ended only in form, not in fact.
5 comments:
what can be done? i'm just dumbfounded watching this unfold
If you are a U.S. citizen, this link will allow you to compose a letter to your Representative and your two Senators.
http://capwiz.com/adc/dbq/officials/
Also, a letter to your local paper, even if it is not published, will--along with others--signal to the editor that people are outraged.
I'm wondering what the logic is behind Abbas' blaming of Hamas for the recent bloodshed. Politically, at a time when Palestinians are demanding unity between Hamas & Fatah, it seems to be exactly the wrong response. It seems like Fatah cares more about crushing Hamas than it does about ending the occupation & creating a Palestinian state.
If Abu Mazen doesn't blame Hamas--whichs earns blame--he must blast Israel or the US. He is trapped by his dependency. No matter, he looks weak. He is weak.
Worth writes another excellent article: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/31/world/middleeast/31arabs.html?_r=1&ref=middleeast
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