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Is there a Middle Path in the Middle East? The Troubles of Foreign Policy in Israel/Palestine
Do you think peace between Israel and Palestine is possible? What do you think about the Hamas party? How do these issues affect your life?
On May 23, 2006, our representatives in the House passed a bill that would impose strict sanctions against the body that governs Palestine or, the Palestinian Authority.
Representative Tom Lantos (D-California) candidly explained that the bill is a punishment for Palestinians who elected Hamas, a political group with a violent history.
Who is Hamas?
Hamas entered public consciousness in the late 1980s, during the first Palestinian intifada or, uprising. The group violently protested peace negotiations with Israel through suicide bombings that killed dozens of Israelis.
Then-President Yasir Arafat neither supported nor denounced Hamas, but he was friendly with its founder Ahmed Yassin despite international pleas for Arafat to condemn the group.
Hamas’ military branch, al-Qassam Brigades, continued to bomb Israeli civilians throughout the 1990s and then encouraged the second Palestinian intifada, which broke out in 2000.
The other side of Hamas
Hamas is not only responsible for violence, but also for charity. The group provides child care, education, and other social services to Palestinians in need. Hamas proved to Palestinians that it could deliver aid better than Fatah, the Arafat-led faction in power since 1967 and widely-suspected for corruption in recent years. This may have been one reason that Palestinians elected Hamas to the majority of seats in parliament in January 2006.
The Palestinians’ democratic decision created a major storm since Hamas refuses to recognize Israel’s existence and has vowed to take over the West Bank.
For more on the conflict between Israel and Palstine, click here.
The world’s reaction
The world was shocked by the Hamas victory. Even Hamas leaders were surprised. Analysts have attributed the victory to the campaign, which was organized and grassroots - the group even provided voters with transportation to the polls.
After the shock wore off, the world rejected Hamas. Israel boycotted the Palestinian Authority and the United States and European Union condemned Hamas, saying that the group could have no place on the world stage until it denounced terrorism.
Meeting up
As the House passed sanctions against Palestine, President Bush met with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to discuss the peace process, including a plan for Israel to give up most of the West Bank to the Palestinian State. Prime Minister Olmert may decide to negotiate with Palestinian President and Fatah Member Mahmoud Abbas, who was elected separately from and before the parliamentary elections and who is considered more moderate than Hamas representatives. President Bush has made it clear that any attack on Israel is an attack on the United States.
The delicate situation is perhaps more complicated by the House bill, which would stop all assistance to the Palestinian Authority and limit humanitarian aid. Further, it would prevent President Bush from waiving sanctions in the negotiations process unless he certifies that Hamas has recognized Israel, renounced violence, and disarmed.
Supporters of the bill explain that they want to make sure that no American tax dollars go to Hamas as long as the group continues to condone terrorist tactics.
But those opposed say the bill greatly limits the White House’s ability to negotiate. Even the State of Israel opposes any block in humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people.
Opponents further argue that the bill has no sunset provision, so sanctions could continue even if Palestinians elect a more moderate government.
Although the House usually backs Bush, the Senate is more likely to support the president on this matter. The Senate version sponsored by Republican Mitch McConnell of Kentucky is likely to give President Bush more power to waive sanctions.
What do you think?
Should we stop aid to Palestine while Hamas is in power? Do we have the right to disapprove of other country’s elections? Could Hamas transform now that it needs the world’s help to take care of the Palestinian people?
Your input matters
Your representatives DO care what you think. Especially now -- 2006 is an election year and many representatives will be looking to reconnect with their constituents. Let your congressmen and women know what you think! Give your senators a piece of your mind! To find your reps, click here.
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Update Posted on: 5/27/2006
