Carnal Reason

Via Eux.tv:

Washington and Brussels cut what is estimated to be hundreds of millions of dollars in direct aid to the Palestinian government after Hamas’ parliamentary victory.

Both have said they will not resume monetary support of the Palestinian government until Hamas recognizes Israel, renounces violence and fulfills past promises.

…

After meeting with [Hamas politburo leader] Mashaal Tuesday afternoon, however, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Mashaal’s delegation had assured him it would take measures to stop shelling Israeli territories with Qassam rockets.

Both Lavrov and Mashaal also said Hamas would reject violence in achieving its goals.

“The meeting confirmed the correctness and justification of our approach … in the need to actively work with representatives of (Hamas),” Lavrov said in remarks run by Interfax.

The Russian top diplomat also urged the United States and European Union to end what he called an economic “blockade” against the Palestinian territories.

Exactly what measures are required “to stop shelling Israeli territories with Qassam rockets”? Can’t Hamas, say, simply stop launching rockets? Just asking.

Hamas is undaunted by the brutal pause in the flow of Western money.

Hamas politburo leader Khaled Mashaal called Tuesday for “fundamental change” in the Quartet of Mideast peace brokers and warned of “open battle” with Israel and Islamic hatred toward the United States unless Washington resumes aid funding.

Washington, if you don’t give us money we will hate you. If you do give us money we will still hate you, and you are suckers. So show us the money. Those Qassam rockets don’t grow on trees.

Posted on February 27th, 2007 by pwyll
Filed under: politics