Dear Prime Minister,
Further to my snail mail on the Palestinians:
The democratic election of Hamas has stirred strong emotions in the hearts of Israelis and their reaction of fear and concern is understandable. However, it is precisely at this time, when passion has invaded, that coolness and reason are most needed.
In my earlier letter, I made reference to former President Carter’s advice of restraint and cautious support for the democratically elected Palestinian government…in order to preserve the Palestinian people themselves from further decline.
The Hamas history of violence and terrorist acts against Israelis notwithstanding, there remains a central principle, which we as Canadians have long upheld. That is, we have traditionally given the legitimate government of a nation, the benefit of the doubt. If ever there was a crucial moment in the history of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict this is it. And if ever there was an opportunity for peace, however ironic it may seem, this is it.
We must remember that although Hamas received a majority of seats, the party did not receive a majority of the popular vote. It is therefore incumbent on us as lovers of democracy, to think carefully before taking rash action.
Palestinians elected Hamas, not because of its terrorist history, but primarily because of its history of social responsibility and its criticism of the previous regime’s corrupt practices…a situation we in Canada are familiar with.
Now Mr. James D. Wolfensohn, former President of The World Bank, has added his voice to those urging at least interim support.
Mr. Wolfensohn has pointed out (correctly), that the financial collapse of the Palestinian Authority would have “wide-ranging consequences for the security and stability of both Palestinians and Israelis”.
The ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, the unrest in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region have made a tinderbox of the entire Middle East and rendered the prospect of widespread regional violence more likely. So there are reasons for caution, which go well beyond the obvious humanitarian ones.
What is required now, as I’ve said before, is strong leadership on this specific issue. It needs to be made clear that we understand what is happening on the ground there. Even as we in the west look on- and as you read this- a power vacuum is being created. That vacuum will be filled by something or someone, perhaps far more dangerous than Hamas. The Quartet- with the exception of the United States- appears to be in agreement.
The New York Times reports this morning that,\:
The Quartet and Israel agree that relief aid to the Palestinians should continue, including money spent by United Nations organizations. The amount of money channeled through such organizations is likely to increase, but that will not pay the 135,000 or so Palestinians dependent on salaries from the Palestinian Authority.
Mr. Wolfensohn hopes to get the Palestinian Authority through to June, when the Group of 8 industrial nations are to meet. But the United States and Israel fear that such a long period would allow Hamas to establish itself. Canada can counsel patience.
Canada could lead the way, as we have in the past, toward finding a pathway out of this maze- at least on a temporary basis, until we can determine just how Hamas will respond to the demands of governance.
This is one of the most difficult and intractable problems of our time and represents a wonderful opportunity for Canada to exercise its traditional skill at quiet diplomacy.
Sincerely, James Reed.
