No wonder the Palestine issue is not getting solved. When we have such a stubborn and inflexible president in the US. The latest exposure by Vanity Fair brings out the fact clearly. It has made clear the fact that however much the Hamas might be willing to talk with Fatah and Israel, it will not be invited. Bush wants Hamas wiped out.
The Bush administration had spent billions of dollars to achieve that aim. It was not the Hamas that had thrown out Fatah but Fatah that had wanted to rid Gaza of Hamas at Bush’s instigation. Ex-US president Jimmy Carter, the statesman that he is, had urged US to involve Hamas in any Palestinian talks. But when we have some one like Mr. Bush ,with his cowboy mentality in power, sensible advice is bound to go unheard.
Israel is not so much to blame for not trusting Hamas. Jews have suffered centuries of oppression. Once they got a homeland they would hardly be blamed for being overtly suspicious of Hamas, which has till now not recognized Israel. But Israel could be coaxed into talks by friends like the US. Hamas is not a mad terrorist organization. All it wants is a home for Palestinians. Surely Israel would understand their agony? And Hamas if treated fairly would be willing to sit across the table.
But all this is not possible with Mr. Bush around. Bush should understand that the world is not his personal property. Other peoples too have self respect. If pushed around unduly they are bound to strike back. Hamas is doing just that. The peaceful solution of Palestine issue needs the guidance of a statesman. Mr. Bush is hardly that.
But the US government should realize that the world does not act according to Mr. Bush’s personal philosophy and ideas. He tried to overthrow Hamas from Gaza. Fatah was the one that got defeated. He tried to get Fatah and Israel talking (without Hamas). The Annapolis initiative today is in tatters.
What is needed is a rethink on the whole issue. But with Bush and Condoleezza Rice around that is unlikely to happen. Let us hope the new US president turns out different.
Source: Guardian
