I am still unsure what to think of the Palestinian elections. I’m glad that the Palestinians have ousted the corrupt Fatah party from rule it just pains me that their only other choice was to choose a party that has dedicated itself to violence. I find it frustrating that Hamas was the only other choice for these people. I sincerely hope that Hamas can do away with its violent ways and begin anew. The IRA was able to become a political organization. Maybe Hamas can do the same. But the IRA didn’t have the destruction of the entire UK as a goal in its platform (at least not that I am aware of).
The fact is that Israel exists. We can’t put the genie back in the bottle. Many of these people were born there and they had no say in where they were born and raised. They are just there. The Palestinians are in the same boat. 1948 was a long time ago. Israeli supporters often point out that the Palestinians attacked Israel. Well, so what? How many of those people are still alive at this point? As people who believe in freedom and liberty can we Americans make children and grandchildren pay for the crimes of their forefathers? Do we treat the Germans or that Japanese this way?
I find it hard to believe that peace in the Middle East can come soon. Both sides have hurt each other so much that I don’t see how they can sit at the same table. I can’t help but see the election of Hamas as a “no-vote” on a diplomatic peace process. I also can’t help but view recent words from Netanyahu the same way.
I wonder if Ghandi or Dr. King could have made peace in this situation by now. I wonder if the idea of non-violent resistance will ever take hold in the region. I would like to see ordinary Israelis and Palestinians come together in protest of their leaders’ ways of violence and heated rhetoric. I just don’t know if the people are there yet. I can still hope though...
Okay. I feel a little better after getting that out. I realize I’m not the most knowledgeable person about Middle Eastern affairs, but I needed to say “something.”