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Born at the Crest of the Empire

Monday, July 16, 2007

A three state solution

Notice that in the big announcement of a middle east peace conference that the Gaza strip and Hamas are completely ignored.

The US appears to be making every effort to bestow legitimacy (and tons of money) on the Fatah government in the West Bank, but amid the current political stresses in the Palestinian territories, I find it difficult to believe that Fatah can take even one step towards Israel without risking instability.

But, with Condi Rice in charge of the talks, they won't have to. Rice has not struck a single significant deal since she was installed as Sec. State.

5 Comments:

  • I think Fatah can take the money without compromising too much. They can even find a way of channeling some of it to Hamas. The difference between them is basically a question of tactics.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 5:45 PM  

  • Somewhat true. Fatah were the terrorists/fighters of the last generation, Hamas are the terrorists/fighters of this generation.

    My question would be, can Fatah be seen to be cooperating with the US (and Israel) and not lose support. The politics right now are so dicey.

    By Blogger mikevotes, at 6:08 PM  

  • That is probably what Fatah and Hamas are discussing behind the scenes. Hamas is probably happy to let Fatah negotiate. They both have to agree on what kind of Palestinian State they will accept. The key word is viable. Personally I don't think Israel will ever agree to a viable state.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 6:21 PM  

  • I am unquestionably not an expert on Israel Palestine, mainly because in the long arc there is really very little movement, but I would certainly accept your premise that Hamas is happy to let Fatah negotiate for two reasons.

    1) they don't take the hit when it fails, and 2)it only enhances their membership.

    And, yes, in my inexpert opinion, the Israelis will never give enough for a Palestinian state.

    By Blogger mikevotes, at 9:49 PM  

  • I'm no expert either but it fascinates me. You're right about no movement. Normally it just goes round and round but it's at an interesting point right now. If Bush thinks Hamas is in a weak position he's making a big mistake.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 10:19 PM  

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