It would appear that Hamas has achieved a stunning upset. In a free election that Jimmy Carter has praised as free and fair, the Palestinian people have chosen a new path, after three decades of increasingly corrupt and incompetent, one party rule. This is a good thing.
Hamas has long been more than just a terrorist group. We may dislike their religious fundamentalism and their use of violence and terror, but they have also created numerous medical and healthcare centers and provided many services in support of Palestinian families in dire need. The Fatah party is widely regarded as hopelessly corrupt and ineffective. Hamas won the election on the belief that they are honest and dependable, in spite of their militancy.
Now, the world is watching to see what will develop. I have little doubt that Republicans will see this as an opportunity to, once again, mouth tough sounding soundbites and probably call for the cessation of American aid. Please do not be fearful to sound thoughtful and open minded on this issue. It is clearly much too early to determine what the results of this election wil lead to. If confronted by reproters on the question of stopping aid "to terrorists" please don't accept the frame.
Hamas is the legitimately elected party of a free democratic election. With Sharon and Arafat gone, Middle Eastern politics is potentially more fluid than it has been for a long time. Knee jerk diplomacy with an eye to domestic politics makes us all weaker, not stronger. No one can predict how this will turn out.
Until we know more, can we just adopt a wait and see position? On the issue of American aid, the money was, supposedly, for the benefit of a desperate and destitute population, not a ruling party. Cutting it off reflexively would only exacerbate their misery. Please don't be afraid to be different from the Republicans on this critical issue. Until we know what's happening, observe closely, but withold judgement.
Perhaps Bill Clinton could be called upon to play a real and positive role.