Thursday, January 26, 2006

The Political is Personal

Well, well, well. Hamas scored a resounding victory in the Palestininan elections, either despite or because of their terrorist actions. I agree with what She and Don have already written on this subject...most people probably voted to get rid of corruption and improve their daily lives, with the destruction of Israel not so high on their agenda.

Q: Why did the exit polls make the outcome so much closer? A: Either they asked the wrong sample, or people lied.

But I'm wondering whether, with their well-established hawk/terrorist/"freedom fighter" credentials, Hamas wouldn't eventually be able to sell compromise with Israel to their electorate the way Ariel Sharon did to his. As pragmatists. Over time.

In the meantime, I'll be happy if they start revising the hate-filled educational materials. And setting up a transparent accounting system.

5 comments:

OldHorsetailSnake said...

Your "in the meantime" will be slow in coming, I fear.

Fred said...

I'm hoping things go the same way that they did in Northern Ireland, when the IRA finally agreed to disarm.

TLP said...

I think it's very scary. But then of course I'm not well informed. As always, all I can do is hope for the best.

SavtaDotty said...

Thank you for your supportive comments. The must valuable lesson I've learned since coming here is how to live with uncertainty.

Spanglemonkey said...

Somehow to get the women of Israel and the women of Hamas together...