It seems that the Palestinians are leaning towards Hamas in municipal elections, and now the European Union is thinking about removing its financial support. The problem with democracy, which we keep saying we want to see springing up in the Middle East, is that the freely expressed will of such people may not correspond to America's announced interests.
What did we expect? Why are we surprised that Fatah, which exists on international welfare, should be corrupt and unresponsive to the needs of the Palestinians? We should also not be surprised that people welcome anti-corruption with a "law and order" theme.
Think Northern Ireland. Sinn Fein played a democratic role simultaneously with the IRA's violent role in the Troubles. Despite all the posturing, they were at the table and it was better to have them there.
Hamas has killed Israelis and announced its wish to obliterate Israel. The Likud has harbored politicians who wanted to obliterate Palestine and its founder and leader Ariel Sharon is deeply implicated in the Sabra and Chatila massacres. If the Palestinians can negotiate with Israel, nobody has the right to shun their chosen leaders, even if that turns out to be Hamas.
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