Hamas accepts the Friedman/Saudi plan
I'm not sure what to make of this article from Sunday's SF Chronicle, which is based on an interview with Ismail Abu Shanab, a member of Hamas's "executive committee." I haven't seen it reported anywhere else (and it is the Chronicle, after all.) It seems extremely doubtful that Hamas has repudiated its founding principle and raison d'etre (i.e., the total destruction of the state of Israel.) In fact, Shanab is a bit cagey on what "acceptance" would mean-- at most, he seems to be talking about a "practical" (read "tactical") postponement of the destruction process. Since it's predicated on the idea that Israel withdraw unilaterally with no guarantee of security while suicide attacks continue (which would be insane and would never happen) it's all a bit empty anyway. But the interview must have been given for a reason. What are they up to? Trying to present a more "moderate" face in order to bolster their claims as successors to the doomed Arafat? Trying to forestall impending Israeli operations in the Gaza strip?
Posted by Dr. Frank at May 1, 2002 09:04 AM | TrackBack