U.S. support for Fatah in yesterday’s Palestinian elections could not prevent a Hamas victory. The Washington Post reports:
Hamas officials in Gaza City, where their victory was greatest, said
the group has no plans to negotiate with Israel or recognize Israel’s
right to exist.
Some will see in this result confirmation of the need for “realism”
and stability over elections. Others, as repudiation of U.S. support of
Israel. I see it as confirmation of the need for America to advocate
free and open societies in the Middle East, and by extension of our
continued presence in Iraq.
The Palestinian people were frustrated by the corruption of
Fatah and the poor economy in the West Bank and Gaza (why else would so
many Palestinians want to cross into Israel). There was no good
alternative, so they took the alternative that was available — Hamas.
Of
course, unless Hamas undertakes reforms of the Palestinian economy, it
will be as unpopular as Fatah was and may even alienate the Europeans,
who classify the it as a terrorist organization. Then, maybe, the PA
will look at what brought an end to the constant warfare in Ireland.
UPDATE: This piece at NRO sees it as a Wizard of Oz moment for Hamas and the PA.
