I don't think a single secular state is within the realm of possibility; it would seem to me that the Jewish state is a fait accompli. But what interests me is this -- what are the long-term military and political goals of Hamas? The interests of peace may require for them to reverse their... strict... position on Israel and Judaism, and to do so before Israel reciprocates the gesture and acknowledges them. If they cannot do that when necessary, or if they choose not to do that if necessary, then they will have failed to stop Israeli advance much more thoroughly than they can imagine.
It is to some extent irrelevant to Israel and the US whether Palestinians vote Hamas for the soup kitchens, the schools and for the charity work -- the collective multi-million dollar zakat, as it were, of the organisation -- or for its militant stance. It is only relevant to Israel and the US that Fatah is losing the gravity of power.
Indeed, that is the most significant tactical blunder of recent times, and I am inclined to think it is one of Fatah. I suppose I should include Marwan Barghouti's al-Mustaqbal under this umbrella. Once Fatah and Mr Barghouti had collectively lost the popular vote, they had little choice but to take part in that incharitable Palestinian parlour game, Toss The Other Side's Politicans Off A Rooftop, which Fatah played for many rounds with Hamas for no long-term gain whatsoever.
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Date: 2009-01-08 02:57 pm (UTC)It is to some extent irrelevant to Israel and the US whether Palestinians vote Hamas for the soup kitchens, the schools and for the charity work -- the collective multi-million dollar zakat, as it were, of the organisation -- or for its militant stance. It is only relevant to Israel and the US that Fatah is losing the gravity of power.
Indeed, that is the most significant tactical blunder of recent times, and I am inclined to think it is one of Fatah. I suppose I should include Marwan Barghouti's al-Mustaqbal under this umbrella. Once Fatah and Mr Barghouti had collectively lost the popular vote, they had little choice but to take part in that incharitable Palestinian parlour game, Toss The Other Side's Politicans Off A Rooftop, which Fatah played for many rounds with Hamas for no long-term gain whatsoever.