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Analysis : Hamas spokesmen stress that the Mecca Agreement does not recognize Israel.

munaeem | 13 February, 2007 13:18

1. The entire Hamas movement and its various spokesmen praised the Mecca Agreement and expressed their commitment to implementing both its text and intentions. Hamas announced that it hoped the Agreement would bring internal Palestinian reconciliation and enable them to turn their resources to the conflict with Israel and its challenges (Hamas Website, February 9).

2. Khaled Mashaal , head of Hamas's political bureau, made it clear that Hamas was committed to the government's new letter of appointment, which includes honoring agreements previously signed by the PLO with Israel . He even described it as “a new diplomatic language,” adopted by Hamas because of “national need.” However, he specifically stated that Hamas had not changed it fundamental position and that “every faction retained its own political opinions” (Agence France-Presse, February 9).

3. In various interviews, Khaled Mashaal and other Hamas spokesmen clearly stated that the Mecca Agreement did not contain recognition of Israel and that Hamas had no intention of recognizing Israel :

A. Khaled Mashaal was asked by an interviewer from Al-Hayat if honoring agreements signed by the PLO meant recognition of Israel . He answered that the issue of recognition had not been raised at the discussions in Mecca (Al-Hayat, February 10).

B. Nizar Rayan , a senior Hamas activist in the Gaza Strip, made it clear that Hamas would never recognize Israel and the Mecca Agreement contained no change in the movement's policies (Reuters from the Gaza Strip, February 9).

C. Ismail Radwan , a Hamas spokesman, said that “the agreement reached in Mecca does not mean recognition of the Israeli entity.” Hamas's firm stance, he said, was “non-recognition of the legitimacy of the Zionist movement.” He stated that the Hamas government's position on the issue was based on “the national reconciliation document” (i.e., the prisoners' document), which did not recognize “the Zionist entity” (Agence France-Presse, February 9).

D. Ahmad Yussuf , advisor to Abu Mazen, was asked about the Quartet's demand for recognition of Israel . He answered that Hamas did not recognize Israel and that the fundamental platform of the next government would not include recognition of Israel (Al-Jazeera TV, February 10).

4. Although the Mecca Agreement essentially does not fulfill the basic demands of the Quartet, those who signed it expect that a massive propaganda campaign , supported by Saudi Arabia , will make it possible to market the Agreement to the international community :

A. Abu Mazen told Al-Hayat that they expected “the new government will receive international recognition to pave the way for the end of the siege,” and added, “a great effort is demanded of Palestinians and Arabs to make the international community accept the Mecca Agreement…” (Al-Hayat, February 10). Fatah's information committee issued a release stating that Abu Mazen had sent a circular to Palestinian representatives all over the world saying that “we will initiate a broad political campaign to remove the siege our people and the Palestinian Authority are subject to…”

B. Ghazi Hamad , Hamas government spokesman said the following about the effort to market the Agreement: “ We have agreed with the Saudis to market this agreement internationally . Our [Saudi] brothers are in constant contact with the Americans and Europeans and I believe there is a possibility to market this agreement” (Reuters from Mecca , February 9).

Palestine :: Comment (3) :: Permalink

US no longer in position to win Iraq war: report

munaeem | 13 February, 2007 08:11

A joint report by 16 US intelligence agencies warns that America no longer has the option of winning the war in Iraq.

The National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) on Iraq says that President George W. Bush’s dream of creating a stable liberal democracy in Baghdad which is also pro-American is unattainable.

Several major American newspapers have interpreted this consensus judgment of all US intelligence agencies as a declaration of defeat.

The NIE warns of three scenarios that could occur as a result of a complete security breakdown.

This includes the chaotic breaking up of Iraq into an Indian-Pakistan-style partition with Kurds, Shia and Sunnis each claiming a slice of the nation.

Middle East Crisis :: Comment (0) :: Permalink

Iran leader softens his tone on Iraq

munaeem | 13 February, 2007 03:24

Via Yahoo News : Iran leader softens his tone on Iraq

"Iran's hard-line president, who has berated the United States and refused to compromise on his nuclear program, is now softening his tone, saying Monday he wants dialogue rather than confrontation in Iraq."

""We shy away from any kind of conflict, any kind of bloodshed," Ahmadinejad told ABC's "Good Morning America." "As we have said repeatedly, we think that the world problems can be solved through dialogue, through the use of logic and a sense of friendship. There is no need for the use of force."

"Known for his inflammatory anti-Western rhetoric, Ahmadinejad in recent weeks has taken a milder approach to diplomacy. The change in tone comes at a time when domestic criticism of the controversial leader has increased, with both reformers and fellow conservatives complaining that Ahmadinejad spends too much time criticizing the United States and Israel, , and not enough on internal issues such as Iran's struggling economy."

At the same time, the U.S. appears to be hardening its accusations against Iran, including claims that the highest levels of the Iranian leadership armed Shiites in Iraq with sophisticated armor-piercing roadside bombs that have killed more than 170 troops from the U.S.-led coalition."

He should pay attention to the well being of his people. He should divert his energies to fulfill the promises , he made to his people during the election campaign. Iranians people have been suffering because of the wrong policies of their leaders for decades.

Iran should stop fighting for dominance in the Muslims world. Khomeini made an abortive attempt to do that but failed.

Sunni Muslims have realized that Iranians are working  in close collaboration with Americans to disestablish the Middle East. And they are taking steps to counter their designs.

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