Hamas wins Palestinian elections

[○∙◄☻¥tπ[╪AV┼cVê└]

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http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060126/ap_on_re_mi_ea/palestinians_election_26;_ylt=AmiazUtS6Z0sHAP3zkNqSsQUewgF;_ylu=X3oDMTA2ZGZwam4yBHNlYwNmYw--

Amazing what you can do with a good PR man.

[Platypus]

Bloody hell.

.

[CubOB]

This won't end well. Is there really anything else that can be said?

[afleitch]

I am getting the impression that Islam and democracy appear to be like oil and water in the Middle East. This is a horrible result.

[Defarge]

Oh sh**t...

[Frodo]

This is a good opportunity for Ohlmert and the ruling Kadima (should they win a majority in March) to continue Ariel Sharon's policy of unilaterally imposing a solution on Palestinians by drawing the border through the West Bank, and continuing to build that wall separating Israel from Palestine.  It is obvious that there can be no negotiating with the Palestinian government if these results are confirmed later today, as is likely. 

[Beet]

Another right-wing hardliner victory.

It's not too depressing though, since anyone with a brain would have given up on this region 4 years ago. Just accept the fact that's it's gone to hell.

[John Dibble]

I am getting the impression that Islam and democracy appear to be like oil and water in the Middle East. This is a horrible result.

Islam and democracy aren't necessarily like oil and water - it's ignorance that's the problem. Palestinians aren't exactly the most educated people on Earth, and that makes them vulnerable to the influence of groups like Hamas.

[True Federalist (진정한 연방 주의자)]

I am getting the impression that Islam and democracy appear to be like oil and water in the Middle East. This is a horrible result.

Islam and democracy aren't necessarily like oil and water - it's ignorance that's the problem. Palestinians aren't exactly the most educated people on Earth, and that makes them vulnerable to the influence of groups like Hamas.

Especially when the only alterative is Fatah.  This wasn't an anti-Israel vote, it was an anti-Fatah vote, and not a particularly surprising one at that.  As a group, I think the Palestinian people have largely lost faith in the peace process, so they voted based on domestic issues rather than foreign policy.

[Angel of Death]

If full proportional representation was used, Hamas wouldn't have gotten a majority.

[I spent the winter writing songs about getting better]

I am getting the impression that Islam and democracy appear to be like oil and water in the Middle East. This is a horrible result.

Islam and democracy aren't necessarily like oil and water - it's ignorance that's the problem. Palestinians aren't exactly the most educated people on Earth, and that makes them vulnerable to the influence of groups like Hamas.

Especially when the only alterative is Fatah.  This wasn't an anti-Israel vote, it was an anti-Fatah vote, and not a particularly surprising one at that.  As a group, I think the Palestinian people have largely lost faith in the peace process, so they voted based on domestic issues rather than foreign policy.

That's what one of my professors said. Basically mass corruption in the PA and Arafat's family looting millions has left many Palestineans without basic social services. Hamas stepped in to fill the void. They provide many schools and hospitals that the PA can't. I remember reading in the paper quotes from a Fatah voter who said she was not at all satisfied with the state of the Fatah government but that she feared Hamas' Islamic extremism.

He did say though that Hamas might become more pragmatic. It seems odd, but it also would've been unthinkable 10 years ago that Sharon would've pulled out of Gaza. Furthermore Hamas actually did condemn a recent hostage taking of journalists in Iraq, while this is almost certainly just political posturing, they might be smart enough realize that their hardline "Destroy Israel" stance won't cut it anymore, especially with the US and EU refusing to cooperate with them. We'll have to see.

[Huckleberry Finn]

The peace process is over. Hamas has announced that they aren't going to stop the violence. Great! <

[Democratic Hawk]

This is one big step back for the Middle East Peace Process. Ultimately, the Palestinians will reap what they sow they will. I'll shed no tears for them. No good can possibly come of this

Dave

[True Federalist (진정한 연방 주의자)]

The peace process is over.

The peace process has been over for a long time.  All this did was make it official.

[Huckleberry Finn]

There is a riot on the Palestinian parliament building between Fatah and Hamas supporters. That's a democracy!

[Filuwaúrdjan]

Odds on a full scale Palestinian civil war?

[© tweed]

Odds on a full scale Palestinian civil war?

Sounds like a tradesports stock.  Hell, it could be within a month.

[Middle-aged Europe]

There is a riot on the Palestinian parliament building between Fatah and Hamas supporters. That's a democracy!

You call that a "riot"? In Palestine, at least 100 people have to be killed in order to make it a "riot". This was a little "disagreement" about the outcome of the election.

Aside from this, I have to agree with what Ernest said... it was largely a vote against Fatah, which is perceived as corrupt and incompetent etc. by most Palestinians.

[Filuwaúrdjan]

it was largely an  vote against Fatah, which is perceived as corrupt and incompetent etc. by most Palestinians.

Just thought I'd correct your statement

[The Man From G.O.P.]

Re-instate imperialism? anyone with me?

[minionofmidas]

Re-instate imperialism? anyone with me?

"Re"?

[??????????]

Terrorists in charge of Israel and now Palestine. Yeah, this will end well.