Palestinians Will Pay For Vote

The American administration has made it clear that the Palestinian people will pay for participating in a democracy:

If Hamas takes control of the Palestinian government, as now appears likely, all U.S. aid to the Palestinian people will be put under review, the Bush administration said Friday.

"We do not and will not give money to a terrorist organization," proclaimed White House press secretary Scott McClellan. Said opposite number Sean McCormack at the State Department: "The law and our policies state that no money goes to terrorist organizations."

This year, the U.S. government is providing $150 million in U.S. assistance for Palestinian development and other needs, McCormack said. Another $84 million is distributed through the United Nations.

I am not defending Hamas, but these threats from the American administration serves no one. The Palestinian people have shocked the world with their votes, but should we really be surprised? Desperation, isolation and marginalization are a potent concoction that tends to radicalize peoples view. Historically, the western world has also dealt with similar forces, so this is clearly not a "middle east" issue. Hamas has crafted a forceful message that puts Palestinian aspirations first and the people have responded.

Like it or not, the world community must find a way to accept this result in some fashion. Threatening to inflict further economic hardship on people with little hope is exactly the attitude that helped foster the rise of Hamas. Instead of scorn, we should look at the root causes of this desperation and see Hamas as the manifestation of an untenable situation.

I understand why Israelis would react with such hostility. I understand why world leaders would wish that the Palestinian Authority had triumphed. But, the reality is, in a democratic expression, the Palestinian people have selected their voice. Everyone needs too recognize this vote for what it is, a proud people who want self determination and dignity now.