By Andrew L. Jaffee

Hamas’ refusal to recognise Israel has led to a crippling ban on Western financial aid since the party won elections in January last year.

Mr Haniya now has five weeks to get a new cabinet accepted by the Hamas-dominated parliament.

But if Hamas maintains its position regarding Israel, there is concern that any talks brokered by Washington will be futile.

President Abbas has called for the new administration to be given a chance.

BBC, 2/18/07

Give peace a chance? Remember that Palestinian “President” Yasser Arafat recognized Israel during the Oslo debacle, but in July 2000 rejected Israel’s generous offer to end the conflict. Palestinian terrorists then responded to Israel’s offer with the “most sustained wave of Palestinian suicide bombings in Israeli history.” The Palestinian Authority never lived up to its Oslo commitments.

Again, we’re asked to have faith:

As part of the power-sharing deal it was reported that Hamas had agreed to respect past Palestinian agreements that recognise Israel.

However, the BBC’s Alan Johnston in Gaza says the Americans are expected to demand an explicit statement of recognition and a renunciation of violence.

It was reported? That doesn’t reassure me because of… reality. If Palestinians can’t even find peace among themselves, killing each other and their own children — and brainwashing their kids to hate Jews, why should I believe they could find peace with Israel, their “Little Satan?”

Good for the Americans “demand[ing] an explicit statement of recognition and a renunciation of violence.” But even if we get a piece of paper, I won’t believe it. Palestinians need to prove they are ready for a civilized homeland. I fear it will be many years before they are ready.

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Related: Israel, Palestinians, Peace Process

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