Palestinians have failed themselves

September 14, 2006 in Global War On Terror, Hamas, Hizbullah, Israel, Palestinians

A year after Israel removed its settlements from the Gaza Strip, the hopes of Palestinians have long since given way to despair. There’s no secret why; the terrorist organization Hamas won the Palestinian elections early this year.

Since then economic conditions have deteriorated, violence has continued, and Hamas leaders point accusing fingers at Israel, the United States, Europe, the larger international community … everyone but themselves.

A year ago, donors and countries around the world stood ready to help finance reconstruction and economic development in Gaza – the foundation, perhaps, for a Palestinian state.

But the potential funders drew back in disgust when Palestinian voters threw their support to Hamas.

Many Palestinians explained that they backed Hamas to protest corruption in the Palestinian Authority, not to reward and encourage terrorism.

But the election turned Mahmoud Abbas, the moderate Palestinian president, into little more than a figurehead. The voting also torpedoed hopes for constructive talks and economic dealings with Israel.

It’s been a tough lesson in democracy for average Palestinians: Whom you vote for matters.

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