Perfect time to sign a peace deal:
“Today we are going to break the bones of anyone who dares to demonstrate in the street,” a Palestinian police officer shouted at a group of journalists as they arrived to cover the funeral of a man who was killed a day earlier during protests against the Annapolis peace conference… Baradi, a member of the Islamic fundamentalist Hizb al-Tahrir [Party of Liberation], was shot dead by security forces loyal to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas during fierce clashes that erupted here on Tuesday… PA security commanders issued firm orders to their men to use an “iron-fist” policy against anyone who breaks the law.
But the ban did not prevent thousands from taking to the streets of West Bank cities to voice their opposition to the US-sponsored conference. The demonstrations, which came as a surprise to the PA leadership, were organized by both Hamas and Hizb al-Tahrir… Following noon prayers, the mourners, many of whom were carrying Hamas’s green flags, tried to march toward the Palestinian policemen waiting outside the mosque… Hizb al-Tahrir spokesman Maher Ja’bari [said]… “This is the end of Abbas’s existence.”
When they get around to rolling the West Bank – which they’re going to do as soon as Abbas is done pocketing Israeli concessions – Hamas stands to inherit 25-50 cutting edge, helicopter-busting APCs and all the goodies that $410 million in new US aid can purchase.
Oh, and they’re also going to ignore Annapolis. Not ignore it enough to give Israel back the land that Olmert is being pressured to give up. Just ignore it enough to embrace genocidal murder with enthusiasm.
References:
* At least 60 hurt in Fatah-Hamas clashes [JPost]
* Bush Launches Final Status Talks: "I Don’t Think It’s A Risk To Try" (Plus: Anti-Abbas Riots Spread Through West Bank) [Video] [MR]
* Palestinians To Get 25 Cutting Edge, Helicopter-Busting APCs [MR]
* US Unviels $410 Million’s Worth Of Assistance That Will Shortly Be Siezed By Hamas [MR]
* Hamas: Oh By The Way, We’re Totally Going To Ignore Annapolis When We Roll Over The West Bank [MR]
Previously:
* Hamas Has Smuggled 112 Tons Of Explosives Into Gaza, Preparing Bunker System For All Out War (Plus: Israel Suspends Decision To Cut Fuel On Humanitarian Grounds)
* Palestinian Moderate With No Power Takes Bold Left Wing Position: Palestinians Willing To Give Up Something They’re Not Entitled To In Exchange For Total Israeli Capitulation
* Dutch Government Funding Islamist Organization To Advocate Iranian Nukes, Protest Dutch Policy Of Not Engaging Hamas
