a democratic choice- hamas

photo from AP reuters

democracy.

isn't it ironic? Pax Americana efforts towards democratization have resulted in an outcome everyone especially Bush was quite unprepared for. the palestinian electorate has voted into office a terrorist organisation. one that is certainly vehemently against the Israeli nation/state. the people want change, progress. and the ruling Fatah party-corrupt ridden- was not going to be the vehicle of their salvation. but would Fatah party be the lesser of two evils? perhaps for the non-Islamic world. those who still shudder at the image of a bearded, 'turban' wearing Muslim man with an arsenal of explosives strapped to his chest. but for the Palestinians, returning the Fatah party to power would mean the continuation of a corrupt regime. one that would not seek to improve their lives. the Hamas promises progress.

an opinion. now that the Hamas can engage in political discourse. within the mainstream. they would no longer need to engage in subversive acts of terror to deliver their point. naive opinion? i think so. ridden with idealism as well, i think. perhaps, in a different world. a world where the Hamas isn't immediately pushed into the corner to denounce terror. a world where bush and rice won't immediately threaten to cut aid to the Palestinians. a world where the Israelis along with the Western world does not immediately state that they will not negotiate with the Hamas. will the Hamas compromise their stands just to meet the demands of the Western world? will they signal their 'weakness' by toeing the line?

this obviously spells trouble for the middle east peace process. i'm not thrilled by the prospect of extended conflict in the gaza strip. the world needs peaceful progress. but hasn't this event brought to the fore, some wonderful observations? how the US dictates democracy, and in instances such as these- democratically elected parties are shunned, while in other cases non-democratically elected leaders are accepted. the neo-realists were right all along. weren't they?

democracy is best as long as the outcome is favourable to strategic interests...of who? the dominant global power...entrenched interests...the status quo?

democracy...bestows the right to the people to decide who best represents their interests...and this instance, whether you like it or not... the people have spoken...we can just sit back and watch as the drama unfolds...