shafique wrote:This is an interesting development and I hope that there will be a positive outcome.
The ANC and Mandela were branded as terrorists and eventually gained political power. Israel came into being after terrorists blew up the King David hotel and members of the Ergun organisation who were responsible made it to government (I'm sure that you all know that the King David hotel was the first terrorist act of modern times! I hope I'm not the only person who sees the irony of this)
What does get very little coverage though is what Hamas does on the ground - it has clinics, schools and does more to help ordinary Palestinians than other charities or organisations.
To avoid any confusion though, let me categorically state that I condemn any act of terror that targets innocent civilians. Suicide bombings are totally outside the pale of Islam in my book and the deliberate killing of women and children cannot be condoned (regardless of creed or colour).
I therefore unreservedly condemn all the acts of terror conducted or condoned by Hamas. I also unreservedly condemn all the acts of terror committed against the Palestinian people. I pray that a solution may be found that is peaceful.
philosophy-dubai/hamas-tsunami-t4824.html
My views haven't changed since then - but the sad thing is that the lot of the Palestinians in Gaza since their democratic decision has got worse under the Israeli blockade and siege, and also the mass killings by Israel in 2008 when they bombed and invaded the beseiged area of Gaza.
Sigh.
Cheers
Shafique