Of the people, for the West!
Ashish Ahsan, Uttara, Dhaka
The "Middle East Quartet"-America, EU, Russia, and UN-has warned Hamas that unless they commit themselves to non-violence, and recognise Israel, their fund will be cut off (DS, Feb 1, '06). The Quartet, however, did not warn Israel to end the occupation, or to recognise the right of 4 million Palestinians they forced out.For the Palestinian economy that couldn't stand on its own because of decades of occupation, about a billion dollars of aid that they receive yearly makes the difference between food and hunger, health care and death, education and illiteracy. Hamas has made it clear that the money will be spent on humanitarian purpose only, and that can be monitored. The Quartet decision came on the heels of an Israeli declaration that they will not hand over 35m dollars of tax money collected from Palestinians. The Quartet had insisted on the election, now they want to collectively punish Palestinians for exercising their right in that. Those who are aspiring for democracy in Pakistan, Egypt, Syria, Turkmenistan, and elsewhere should get the message-West wants you to have all the democracy you want, but you must elect the people of their choice.
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