Dumping Hamas

The following is a copy of an email I wrote to the Prime Minister of Canada today on hearing that Canada was withdrawing support from the Palestinian Authority. I encourage you to write to your elected "leaders" often. For Canada email pm@pm.gc.ca--others shouldn't be hard to find. Remember to include your address so they know you're a citizen. You might even get a dismissive reply if you're lucky.

Dear Prime Minister Harper,

I must declare that I am disappointed in the Government of Canada's decision today to withdraw support for the Palestinian Authority. Electing Hamas was the choice of the Palestinian people. International observers monitored this election and have approved of the results, a rarity in the Middle East. Far from focusing on the unrealistic destruction of Israel, Hamas has pledged to root our the corruption and criminality that were the hallmarks of the outgoing Fatah government. In fact Hamas has been observing a cease-fire with Israel for approximately a year, despite provocative Israeli violence in the Occupied Territories.

Coming to power changes an party. Your party for instance was elected on a platform of ethics but then the David Emerson affair occurred and you changed. This is politics and Canadians and Palestinians have come to expect nothing more from their leaders. Given time, encouragement and support Hamas might well pull an Arafat and meet the Israelis on the White House lawn.

What message does Canada's unfortunate decision send to the Palestinian people? It treats them as children that cannot make the right choice so they will be punished. Next time they'll think twice--think again. This will only strengthen Hamas' hand and the deplorable conditions and starvation caused by border closings will make a return to violence a guarantee.

I urge you to reconsider this decision. Hamas and the Palestinians need to be treated as mature adults not disobedient children. They are the elected leaders of the Palestinian State. They should be treated as such.

Sincerely . . .