Hamas wins Palestinian elections

My reaction to the recent news that Hamas, the radical “terrorist” faction, has swept the Palestinian elections:

I can only hope that (a) the vote was indeed a reflection of disgust with the corruption and lack of progress with the long standing party of record, and (b) there will be some kind of “Nixon goes to China” effect – that Hamas will be able to compromise without the charge of being weak, etc.

I’ve thought for a long time that settling this issue would be the greatest achievement of our era, and that the U. S. could be the catalyst in pulling it off. Here’s where our use of “force” would be justified – not in Iraq, not in Iran, but in Israel. And we could do it without any direct military action. I say we should tell both sides that…

1) Enough is enough: The world recognizes that you both have legitimate claims, concerns, and grievances that go back countless centuries. But your continued squabbling, and failure to settle your dispute, is disrupting the entire world.

2) Israel, you need to cede the West Bank and Gaza to the Palestinians for creation of a state of Palestine. Not an “autonomous region”, but a completely independent, sovereign state. If you don’t, we will cut off all support, both military and financial. No kidding. But if you do, the U.S. will guarantee your security with the full force of its military.

3) Hamas, or whoever currently represents the Palestinian people, this is the best deal you’re going to get. You need to accept the existence of Israel and get on with your lives, building a society of your own, in your own newly sovereign state.

For a country that currently preaches “preemptive” military invasions, our failure to apply power where it might really make a difference is inexplicable.