Hamas gains legitimacy in Palestine election win
by David Thursday January 26, 2006 at 08:38 PM
david@ironyparty.org

The militant Hamas movement has been successful in a general election in the Palestinian quarter of the disputed region of Israel with reports emerging the ruling Fatah Faction, formerly headed by Palestinian luminary Yasser Arafat, has conceded defeat. Minutes ago, incumbent Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qorei announced he would resign his position in the face of electoral defeat, and said Hamas would be invited to form a new Palestinian Government.

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Hamas has gained support in the territories not only for its defiant attitude towards the Israeli State but for the human services and security provided in regions of the occupied territories currently under the influence of the movement.
However, opproprium for desperate military tactics ascribed to its members, including suicide bombings on civilian targets, provides Western leaders with a large stick with which to beat Hamas via global media networks that on this issue largely sympathetic.
US Secretary of State Condolleeezza Rice has previously promised her country will not communicate with Hamas in the event of electoral success. British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw has been similarly dismissive of the political movement, and any prospect of engagement in the event of a Hamas victory. Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Perez has been more circumspect. In recent days he has declared Israel would be prepared to parley with the Palestinian Government, even if controlled by Hamas, provided all Hamas members lay down all weapons and make a pledge, of sorts, of non-violence. Perhaps the Hamas Government of the Palestinian occupied territories will agree, assuming the Israeli State and military, in good faith, accepts the same terms.
In a democratic election in which it is confirmed at least three quarters of registered voters participated, Hamas has undoubtedly gained international as well as local legitimacy. The Palestinian people have expressed their confidence in a party unafraid of the cold shoulder of the West and committed to fighting corruption, poverty and all other obstacles to the present and future dignity of the Palestinian people.

www.ironyparty.org/pamphlet.htm

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