It was 30 years ago today...

[zenith-nadir]

Palestinians Vote in Litmus Test Local Poll

RAMALLAH, West Bank (Reuters) - Palestinians voted on Thursday in the first municipal elections in the West Bank in nearly three decades, a dress rehearsal for a presidential ballot next month to choose Yasser Arafat's successor.

The elections, which drew a heavy voter turnout, were expected to be a test of strength between the dominant Fatah movement and Islamists sworn to destroying Israel.

Wow, no elections in three decades, everything run by one man who stole billions in international aid and financed terror combined with Islamists sworn to destroying Israel. And people still wonder why the Palestinians are where they are today.

My greatest hope is that they choose peace and democracy over more terror and more jihad.

 

[Atlas]

Honest leadership?

Khaddoumi, who regards himself as Palestinian foreign minister, said he was confident that Israel would be eliminated. He said he always opposed Israel's existence and cited the Arab numerical superiority over the Jewish state.

"[There are] 300 million Arabs, while Israel has only the sea behind it," Khaddoumi said.
...
"The Palestinian Authority is a partial authority," Khaddoumi said. "It is a local government, just like any local government in any country. We shouldn't delude ourselves that these 'ministers' are actually ministers."

It's tragically diabolical. No choice for a Palestinian who wants peace. Choose only between factions guaranteeing prolonged bloodshed and continued hatred and strife.

 

[zenith-nadir]

It's tragically diabolical. No choice for a Palestinian who wants peace. Choose only between factions guaranteeing prolonged bloodshed and continued hatred and strife.

One must remember that the leaders of Fateh - the ruling party of the Palestinian Authority - were the previous leaders of the PLO. And we all know what the PLO stood for and did. Abbas and Qurei included. While that does not leave me with a warm and fuzzy feeling inside, hopefully a leopard can change it's spots for the sake of the Palestinians and the Israelis.

 

[Atlas]

One must remember that the leaders of Fateh - the ruling party of the Palestinian Authority - were the previous leaders of the PLO. And we all know what the PLO stood for and did. Abbas and Qurei included. While that does not leave me with a warm and fuzzy feeling inside, hopefully a leopard can change it's spots for the sake of the Palestinians and the Israelis.

Well, there is always that hope, I guess. Actually for a long time I figured this type of speech was merely political rhetoric for the region and that people jockeyed for position with the rhetoric. Once in a position of power I imagined that the demands of leadership would cause them to act more conciliatory so as to claim a better life for their people. This guy did not seem to be making his pronouncement for local consumption. His words sounded like they were coming from a true believer.

First, double cross Israel then destroy them. Don't even care who the people elect, they're not really ministers with any power.

It's all so strange. I believe that all governments stretch the truth and eveb at times mislead their own people. But it's hard for me to find a people so dependent on the lie than the Arabs. Baghdad Bob was clearly a poster boy for the lie. And right now the Iranians are playing out a huge lie with their "All we want is peaceful applications of nuclear power."

So it's strange when I find someone like Khaddoumi who to me is speaking honestly and from the heart.

 

[Mycroft]

Palestinians Vote in Litmus Test Local Poll Wow, no elections in three decades, everything run by one man who stole billions in international aid and financed terror combined with Islamists sworn to destroying Israel. And people still wonder why the Palestinians are where they are today.

My greatest hope is that they choose peace and democracy over more terror and more jihad.

Then check this out:

Qurie said he rejected Blair's suggestion that Palestinians needed reform before there could be progress on the peace process.

"We reject these remarks. They are unacceptable and we are capable and have the means and expertise for peace and negotiations," Qurie told reporters in the West Bank city of Ramallah.

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/041223/325/f94ar.html

So they don't need reform either. They have the means and expertise for peace negotiations, just not peace itself.