Let me explain why..

Being pro-Hamas poses some real prolems for me. Seeing that I declared myself to be pro-Hamas a few days ago, I thought I should take some time and explain my stance rather than be made to look like a fool because of the decisions that Hamas is or will be making:

1. I am not as much pro- Hamas as I am pro-democracy in this case. Hamas is the legal, demoratic choice of the Palestinian people. For years, the world has spoken eloquently about democratic elections and governments in the Middle East, and now that one 'nation' has actually picked such a government, the West is punishing them for it. Thats a double standard, we want you to do this, but only within the boundaries we set, if you choose to make up your own mind about what party you are comforatble with, then we will sanction you. That does not make any sense, it undermines everything that the West has tried to foster.

2. Hamas has a right to not recognise Israel. The same way Israel has not recognised Palestine's right to exists for decades. Its that simple. If you want Hamas to change its views, then change your views. How can you hold them to such a high standard when you have denied them the same rights you are forcing them to recognise? Having said that, Hamas' tactic of not recognising Israel will surely fail. There is no going back now. Israel exists, it always will. Lets move on. This tactic will only bring hardship on the Palestinian people. However, this does not mean that Israel is right by any means, in fact, it is Israel's own fault and their own actions that have oushed Palestinians so far.

3. "It is clear that with a majority for Hamas in parliament and with the formation of a government under the leadership of Hamas, the Palestinian Authority will become a de facto terrorist authority and Israel cannot accept this,'' acting Isreali Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert said recently. Sorry sir, but you are wrong and you are a master at distorting the facts. Why can the Palestinian people not defend themselves? Why is it that when you march into Gaza wth tanks, its called a defnsive measure aimed at destroying cells, but when Hamas declares that it will keep its guns you call them terrorists. Your government conducts the world's most postent state sponsored terrorist operations. Would you like to declare yourself as a de facto terrorist authority too? Just because you collect taxes and have relations with the United States does not absolve you of terrorist actions, then why do you insist on holding Palestine to such a high standard ie. give up their arms? When have you ever shown them a confidence building measure. What hsould they do, sell their arms and wait for Sharon to leave them a country in his will? Please. And no, you leaving Gaza and sealing up its borders on all sides does not count as a show of trust and confidence.

4. The truth is, Palestine has been occupied for fifty plus years and finally, Palestinians have chosen a party that has stood up to Israel by whatever means necesaary. They have chosen someone that has not pandered to Israel or given up too much in accords. We have had enough and we want you to notice.

I don't know what else to say. Tell you the honest truth, I am saddened that Hamas is refusing to recognise Israel. It degrades our cause. I know a lot of people will die of starvation, disease and infighting due to this stupid decision by Hamas. But what is Palestine to do, tell me. Give us ideas. Our land is being stolen in front of us. We see Israel build borders around Palestinian villages, taking over farmlands, restricting roadways to just Israelis and no one, no one is stopping them. Every world organisation that has looked upon this situation has condemned but none have done anything. Declarations, bills, votes at the UN, ruling by the International Criminal Court, everything has amounted to not one iota of a difference. Israel still continues to occupy. What is Palestine to do? I am unable to answer this question and thus, even though I do not agree with Hamas on its initial decisions, I am willing to wait and see. Lets see what this monumental change in Palestinian politics will lead to. I'd like to say that it can't possibly get worse than this, but I know that it already has. And it will probably get worse before it gets better.