potentially big development this, given how popular Hamas is in Palestine. so suppose the elections are free and fair and Hamas wins the government. will the protectors of freedom and democracy then protect the elected leaders right to speak on their people’s behalf to Israel?
Re: Hamas to take part in Palestinian polls
Does their people's behalf include advocating and working for the destruction of another country? What about the targeting and murdering of civilians by suicide bombers? Do the protectors of freedom and democracy have to pretend that is part of what they are advocating?
Re: Hamas to take part in Palestinian polls
yay for democracy!
Re: Hamas to take part in Palestinian polls
you only have peace talks when there is violence to begin with. simply saying that Israel is not worth talking to because they use fletchettes (exploding arsenal scattering nails) in concentrated urban areas doesnt take things forward by much.
the point is that peace talks have to happen through leaders, and for a very long time the mantra has been that these leaders should be elected. why compromise on that? why would you disrespect a people’s wishes like that? why?
Re: Hamas to take part in Palestinian polls
How can Israel negotiate with a group that calls for her destruction and has stated there is no compromise in the goal to form an Islamic state from the sea to the river? What is Israel going to negotiate, the right to exist?
Re: Hamas to take part in Palestinian polls
Israel shouldn’t be worried…arabs couldn’t find their way out of a paper bag. They will kill each other and we can have Judea like the olden times. :halo:
Re: Hamas to take part in Palestinian polls
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Re: Hamas to take part in Palestinian polls
I think we may be missing the point. In a Democracy people can vote for whichever party represents the views of the people.
At some point in the near future however, the politicians voted into office will be held accountable for the successes or failures of their policies. Arafat, of course, was not ever held responsible. Like an eel, he foisted responsibility for the course of events onto others, while still in power. The teflon shiek.....
It is the second election where some candidate stands up and asks, "Are you better off today than you were four years ago?", that will begin the understanding that politicians must also compromise in the best interest of their people. While I have no faith that Hamas, and it's hardline policies will accomplish a thing for their people, I do have faith in the process, that eventually the Palestinian people will understand that they are responsible for thier own future, and they must deal realisticly with it.
The Palestinians want to deal with Isreal from a position of strength. False pride is killing them. They are determined, and even fanatical, but the intifada has left the territories, the society, and the economy of a prospective Palestine in ruins. Arafat should be held accountable for what has happend. But of course he will not. Let's hope that accountability becomes an integral part of Middle East Democracy.
Re: Hamas to take part in Palestinian polls
really good point OG. so would we see the democratic process get a chance to work if Hamas were elected in?
Re: Hamas to take part in Palestinian polls
if the republicans can take part in an election then why not hamas?
Re: Hamas to take part in Palestinian polls
Actually I would have to agree with the fake prophet. They allowed Hizbollah in lebanon so why not Hamas or PLO to stand in. Hamas should actually recruit Al-Zarqawi as their preferred choice for a leader. I am sure peace will come at lightening speed in Greater Palestine.
Re: Hamas to take part in Palestinian polls
Hamas will never get in 
Re: Hamas to take part in Palestinian polls
If Hamas simply represents one viable party, then I think that a learning curve would be in effect. If Hamas used their power to dismantle democracy, then of course we would have the typical middle east ruler for life, ala Arafat. Of course, a delay in elections can always be engineered via Intifada III, and they would attempt to blame the Israelis, blah, blah blah, we have heard this song before.
You can lead a horse to water but you cannot make it drink. Democracy is hard work, the easy path is to surrender yourself to some strong man, and complain in dark shadows. Are the people of the Middle East really ready for change? Maybe.
Of course Pakistan is in the same boat. Do you promote democracy in a country with such violent and radical parties? With nukes? Slowly perhaps, as the checks and balances are installed.
Re: Hamas to take part in Palestinian polls
Do you not have any proper form of education in Ohio? Radical party with nukes? This is not a movie where every Russian has a nuke in his basement. Turn off FOX, go outside and get some sun shine. You have seen too much of the reel world, you need to get out and see some of the real world.
Re: Hamas to take part in Palestinian polls
No, a country with nukes and some very well known radicals.
If Hamas wins the Palestinian election, what would they attack Israel with? More rocks and suicide bombs? But one of your lovely radical Pakistani parties wins an election and decides to launch the holy hand grenade (Monty Python) at the Hindoos, and the fallout (pun intended) is a little worse. So do I like Democracy or Security better in the case of Pakistan? Tough choice.
And, every so often I rant about how Gupshup is a vessel for anti-Israel hate. Anybody paying attention here?
Re: Hamas to take part in Palestinian polls
From that I can see you are talking about the good ol’ USA. A country with nukes, and very well known radicals one of them is also the president. Yes that does is quite dangerous.
And about the rest of your post it’s nothing more then what you have seen on FOX. as I said you need the sun.