Hamas

HAMAS Wins! Thanks to Us is an interesting article

"Now the enemy could be truly at the gates. We can simply say ‘to hell with them’ and watch Gaza become Hamasistan. Or we can get an international force in Gaza to stop the blood-letting, ensure that humanitarian needs are met, and adopt the policy of distinguishing between Palestinians ready to live in peace with Israel, whatever their affiliations, and those who aren’t. Above all, we can abandon a policy of starving people into submission, a policy reminiscent of the dictator who threatens that ‘the beatings will continue until morale improves.’

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has always been a threat to American security, although one that is somewhat indirect. But this week’s events make the threat to America (and to Israel, of course) infinitely more direct. Hamas is on the brink of fully controlling territory adjacent to Israel and Egypt. Is there any reason to believe that if they solidify their hold, their Iranian friends (or even A-Q) will not follow?

A little urgency on the part of the Bush administration is long overdue.

As for the Israeli and Jewish right, these are good times. Palestinians are killing each other. There is 'no partner' for negotiations. And, if lunatics own Gaza, they will never have to worry about negotiations. Besides they decided long ago that no Israel at all is preferable to an Israel without the West Bank."