Hamas & Peace

I have not blogged much about the election of a majority of Hamas representatives to the Palastinian Authority because I don't really have a firm idea of what to make of it. What I have realized is that despite the benefits of spreading democracy, there are consequences when external events (like the American occupation of Iraq) are present, as one or another almost certainly will. The Bush plan to win over the world from extremists through democracy is bankrupt. With the election of Hamas, as well as the triumph of extremists in Iran (Ahmadinejad) and the Shia-fundamentalist group UIA in Iraq, as well as the strong showing for the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt (and the continued presence of Hezbollah in the Lebanese government), democracy alone will not solve the problem of extremism. In fact, it may create new problems. The rise of Islamic fundamentalist parties throughout the Middle East is more of a reaction to the corrupt, authoritarian groups that maintain power throughout the region, including in the occupied Palestinian territories. Hamas could benefit the PA if the West is willing to work with them and on the condition that they do no attack Israel. I have no particularly favorable view of the Israeli government. I think it has used the terrorist attacks against it to undermine its future security by occupying the West Bank and (until recently) the Gaza Strip. I also dislike political parties with armies and therefore am suspicious of Hamas as a political organization. However, cutting off aid would just embolden the more radical elements of the group without providing any more security for Israelis. A more realistic option would be to negotiate a continuation of aid linked to the Hamas cease-fire, and cut off direct aid to the PA if there is a continuation in the violence against Israel. That would provide Hamas with the cash needed to operate in the short term and keep a bargaining chip to keep them in the peace process. While Bush seems content to cut off aid with a government of 'terrorists', it would be in America and Israel's interest to not cut off aid until Hamas rejects a ceasefire. To do otherwise would be to provide justification for the more radical parts of Hamas who want to attack Israel (and probably also the U.S.).