Comments on: Israel Frees 255 Palestinian Prisoners

By: Michael

Michael — Sat, 21 Jul 2007 03:50:24 +0000

Or has that situation changed? Has Fatah sworn off it’s desire to push Israel off the face of the map?

Fatah recognizes Israel's right to exist, and seeks a peaceful two-state solution. So yeah, I guess the situation has changed.

By: Bithead

Bithead — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 21:02:51 +0000

This is really "catch and release" program, seems counterproductive to me. Granted, that Hamas is a problem. But the best I can tell you is that the only difference between Hamas and Fatah, is the speed with which they will kill off Israelis, individually, and Israel as a country.

Or has that situation changed? Has Fatah sworn off it’s desire to push Israel off the face of the map?

By: Michael

Michael — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 19:31:31 +0000

I can't imagine they'd want to. Painting Fatah as lackeys of the Israelis serves their interests, after all.

Hamas has always complained about Fatah being corrupt and ineffective, not being lackeys to the Israelis. It would be interesting if they tried to spin it that way, but they would still have to overcome cult of Arafat to paint all of Fatah with that brush. Hamas' platforms seems to have been that they are one ones that get things done for the people, through their charities and such, that is where they grew there support. Now that they are in charge, those same people are not getting paid, have no representation, and their family and friends are not the ones being freed from Israeli prisons. I can't think of a better way for Israel to destroy Hamas' public support than through actions like this.

By: DC Loser

DC Loser — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 19:19:04 +0000

The Arab Street will see this as a sellout by Fatah to maintain their status and provide Hamas the legitimacy it has sought as the only part of the PA that's resisting the Israelis.

By: James Joyner

James Joyner — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 18:33:48 +0000

I think it's pretty clear to everyone that Israel's actions are a direct attack on Hamas' legitimacy as a Palestinian government, I don't think they can spin that otherwise.

I can't imagine they'd want to. Painting Fatah as lackeys of the Israelis serves their interests, after all.

By: Michael

Michael — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 17:54:19 +0000

Hamas can certainly sell it that way. After all, Israel wasn't doing this for Fatah without Hamas stirring the pot and using violence.

It's certainly true that this action was spurred by Hamas' actions, but that doesn't mean it's in any way beneficial to Hamas. Hamas didn't spin it as a victory for them when Israel released tax money to Abbas, or when they let exiled Palestinian leaders in to meet with Abbas. I think it's pretty clear to everyone that Israel's actions are a direct attack on Hamas' legitimacy as a Palestinian government, I don't think they can spin that otherwise.

By: James Joyner

James Joyner — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 17:47:57 +0000

So, supporting the enemy of my enemy, is good for my enemy? Israel would rather have Fatah in power than Hamas, and to that extent they are giving political aid to Fatah (as well as resources by releases Fatah members). How can you possibly consider this appeasement?

Hamas can certainly sell it that way. After all, Israel wasn't doing this for Fatah without Hamas stirring the pot and using violence.

By: Michael

Michael — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 17:29:47 +0000

So, supporting the enemy of my enemy, is good for my enemy? Israel would rather have Fatah in power than Hamas, and to that extent they are giving political aid to Fatah (as well as resources by releases Fatah members). How can you possibly consider this appeasement?