Call Us When It's Over
For those who have been waiting for the Palestinians to stop supporting terrorism and to accept a two-state solution, good news will come your way. The Palestinian Authority's foreign minister told French newspaper Le Monde that Hamas is ready to change:
Hamas is undergoing a massive transformation and is "ready to change," the Palestinian Authority foreign minister said in an interview published in a French newspaper Monday.Ziad Abu Amr, on a three-day visit to France, met Monday with French counterpart Philippe Douste-Blazy and was holding talks Tuesday with Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin. ...
Abu Amr, an independent, said he thought Hamas was willing to change its ideology in order to remain a political player.
"I must admit I'm both surprised and impressed with the speed and the magnitude of Hamas's transformation," he is quoted as saying. He cited Hamas's willingness to accept a future Palestinian state contained within territory Israel occupied in the Six Day War as an example of the movement's ideological shift.
How does this work, exactly? Does a terrorist group pledge to change its ways, and that takes the place of actually making the necessary changes? Does Jerry Lewis hold a telethon for these pledges? And does it count when someone else does the pledging for them?
Abu Amr wants money, and he's willing to say whatever he can to get it. Abu Amr is Fatah, not Hamas, and doesn't speak for the group, so he can hardly make commitments for them, despite his insistence that the West treat the PA as a single entity. That's a convenient configuration, given that both factions in the unity governments are terrorist organizations whose members continue to conduct attacks on civilians.
If Hamas wants to reject terrorism and agree to a two-state solution, then let Hamas make that announcement, in Arabic and English. Until they do that, and agree to abide by previous agreements made by the PA, then all the rest is just noise for financial gain. Have Hamas call us when they have decided they love Palestinians more than they hate Israelis, and renounce terrorism. Then, we will have something to discuss.
Posted by Ed Morrissey on April 3, 2007 4:36 AM | Comments (7) | TrackBacks (2)
Comments (7)
Posted by patrick neid![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.captainsquartersblog.com/mt/nav-commenters.gif)
| April 3, 2007 6:58 AM
forgive me for yawning........
Posted by Cybrludite![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.captainsquartersblog.com/mt/nav-commenters.gif)
| April 3, 2007 7:32 AM
http://littlegreenfootballs.com/weblog/?entry=24986_Fatah-_Well_Supply_Hamas_with_Weapons&only
Posted by unclesmrgol![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.captainsquartersblog.com/mt/nav-commenters.gif)
| April 3, 2007 10:13 AM
The Captain asks whether a terrorist organization can change its ways. The answer in a nutshell is -- probably.
Take for example, the Irgun. Examine their record of terrorism against Arab targets, the bombing of the Hotel David, and the eventual hanging of two British sargeants. Then cross reference the names of the top Irgun players and the various Israeli Governments of the past 60 years.
Note the resemblance?
Posted by NoDonkey![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.captainsquartersblog.com/mt/nav-commenters.gif)
| April 3, 2007 10:27 AM
Even if Hamas were to moderate, how long before they would be overtaken by a new, more extreme organization?
The Palestinian people have shown time and time again that they approve of terrorism and do not want peace with Israel.
When is enough, enough? When will the Palestinians be completely vanquished? That's the only way to move forward.
Posted by Cadrys![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.captainsquartersblog.com/mt/nav-commenters.gif)
| April 3, 2007 12:47 PM
I'm suddenly having a South Park [movie] moment....
[Saddam, dancing madly] "I can change! I can change! Look at me, I'm changing!"
Posted by Thanos![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.captainsquartersblog.com/mt/nav-commenters.gif)
| April 3, 2007 3:31 PM
I agree, in the background the Saudi's are Pimping their new "poison pill peace plan" while Pelosi hits the sights in Damascus. Scarf on of course.
Posted by conservative democrat![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.captainsquartersblog.com/mt/nav-commenters.gif)
| April 3, 2007 9:06 PM
Nixon went to China, but we can't talk to Syria? WTF? Does talking mean we surrender to them? Theres been backwater dicussions with some of the Sunni Insurgent Groups. But omg we can't talk to Syria. I hope Pelosi went there just to rile up the wingers. Bush doesn't have the cojones to talk with them. Dear Mr. Bush......THIS IS NOT YOUR PREVIOUS RUBBERSTAMP CONGRESS. Like Pelosi said, theres a new sheriff in town. Rovian intimidation's shelf life has expired! Am I ringing a bell yet? Maybe if Bush puffs out his chest a little more, all the democrats will cower in fear. C'mon lets all say it together" Nancy pelosi....SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE. Notice how it just rolls off your tongue. I get goosebumps when I say it.