Talk about right out of 1984. How's this for spin.
Hamas Describes US and European Sanctions as 'Blackmail'
Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh says Hamas will not change its policies, despite what he described as U.S. and European "blackmail." Haniyeh was referring to announcements Friday by the U.S. and European Union that they are cutting off nearly $1 billion in annual aid to the Palestinian Authority.
Not to mention a terribly misunderstood notion of entitlement. The West was willing to prop up Palestine to some degree so long as there was hope for peace with Israel. Now that Palestinians seem resigned to sealing their fate as a terrorist regime, the West is cutting off aid.
That is not akin to blackmail. The aid was always given in the form of incentive, though sadly it was never effectively used as the lever it should have been. So now the West is closing its checkbook and that's blackmail? I think not.
Never in history has such a morally and fiscally bankrupt state caused such international headache. Palestine and Hamas need to face reality and accept that they are a terribly failed state with no real backing, save when it benefits others in the Middle East with their own agendas to enlist the name.
Fold your cards Hamas. The world has always known you aren't holding any aces.
Yesterday, it was reported, "US freezes aid to Palestinian government."
If only, look closely at the statement from the State Department - "while increasing humanitarian aid to the Palestinians through U.N. agencies."
Thursday, Abdul had to worry about beans OR bullets. Thanks to those compassionate conservatives, now he only has to worry about bullets. Sweet.
How clever was this of Dr. Rice, and on a Friday afternoon. Not just another pretty face.
Posted by: allen | Sunday, April 09, 2006 at 12:09 AM
not so, Dan. if israel has to face up to the real issues in that country, there will be major problems for them. the security issue is a godsend for israeli politicians - doesn't affect them and detracts from the slow disintegration of the state.
Posted by: mojo | Sunday, April 09, 2006 at 06:02 AM
Allen — Hell, son, it's brilliant! We give the money to the UN and Palestinians will never see a penny of it!
Posted by: richard mcenroe | Sunday, April 09, 2006 at 10:32 PM
So we've gone from bribes to blackmail. What in the name of heaven has that country been doing with all that money? ....$1.5 billion!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: hobo | Sunday, April 09, 2006 at 11:33 PM