A new conflict erupted in the Middle East with the Israeli killing of a high-ranking military man of the Hamas organization on 14 November. It goes to the credit of all the parties concerned that it was over with the signing of a ceasefire which took effect at 9 pm, 21 November.
The new Egyptian President, Mr.Md.Morsi, was instrumental in bringing it about quickly. His role reminded us that what is popularly known as the Arab Spring, though by now considerably tarnished by the events in Syria, is still real. His presence there itself, whatever the internal problems in his own country, instead of his pro-American, pro-Israeli predecessor, is a part of this Spring. And it is this Spring which has prevented Israel from invading Gaza again with its land troops as it did in 2008-9.
The US-backed Israel still looks at Hamas as a terrorist organization. But once these two countries recognize it as a force to reckon with, as a party to talk to, the shape of things will change greatly. This is the only way to ensure that there is no more armed conflict in the region. Hamas is the winner of the popular elections of January 2006 in Gaza. To deny the legitimacy of Hamas is to deny the self-respect and the right of self-determination of the people of Gaza.
The post-election US has shown to the world, unfortunately, that it sticks to its old policy of backing Israel through thick and thin. By doing so it has also shown that it is impossible to solve the Palestinian problem for years to come. It has also strengthen the suspicion that the US needs the tensions in the region to be kept high for her own reasons. Is it not the meaning of giving $ 3 billion of military aid to Israel, and half of it to Egypt, every year? This is in spite of all the talk of her 'Financial Cliff'.
In the midst of the conflict, the re-elected Mr.Obama assured Israel its right of self-defense. Was it not a green signal for Israel's land invasion of Gaza? This is not fair. This is a double-standard. It would be far better if the US says the same thing to Hamas, and try to prevent both from the use of that right. She will be hailed the world over as a peace-loving nation.
Her Secretary of State would then no longer be asked by Chairman Abhas if she is a member of the Likud?
The new Egyptian President, Mr.Md.Morsi, was instrumental in bringing it about quickly. His role reminded us that what is popularly known as the Arab Spring, though by now considerably tarnished by the events in Syria, is still real. His presence there itself, whatever the internal problems in his own country, instead of his pro-American, pro-Israeli predecessor, is a part of this Spring. And it is this Spring which has prevented Israel from invading Gaza again with its land troops as it did in 2008-9.
The US-backed Israel still looks at Hamas as a terrorist organization. But once these two countries recognize it as a force to reckon with, as a party to talk to, the shape of things will change greatly. This is the only way to ensure that there is no more armed conflict in the region. Hamas is the winner of the popular elections of January 2006 in Gaza. To deny the legitimacy of Hamas is to deny the self-respect and the right of self-determination of the people of Gaza.
The post-election US has shown to the world, unfortunately, that it sticks to its old policy of backing Israel through thick and thin. By doing so it has also shown that it is impossible to solve the Palestinian problem for years to come. It has also strengthen the suspicion that the US needs the tensions in the region to be kept high for her own reasons. Is it not the meaning of giving $ 3 billion of military aid to Israel, and half of it to Egypt, every year? This is in spite of all the talk of her 'Financial Cliff'.
In the midst of the conflict, the re-elected Mr.Obama assured Israel its right of self-defense. Was it not a green signal for Israel's land invasion of Gaza? This is not fair. This is a double-standard. It would be far better if the US says the same thing to Hamas, and try to prevent both from the use of that right. She will be hailed the world over as a peace-loving nation.
Her Secretary of State would then no longer be asked by Chairman Abhas if she is a member of the Likud?
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