A Better Life

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says Palestinians are owed a better life.

Palestinians deserve to live better than they do and be "free of the humiliation of occupation" in a state of their own," said US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Wednesday night.

"I promise you my personal commitment to that goal," Rice said at a dinner marking the third anniversary of the American Task Force on Palestine.

"There could be no greater legacy for America," Rice told the group, which describes itself as nonpartisan and supportive of a Palestinian state living side by side with Israel.

I wonder who owes it to them? Hamas and Fatah who are having a civil war and arming to the teeth to intensify that civil war? Israel which is defending itself against Palestinian attacks? The worlds biggest sugar daddy Uncle Sam?

Condi says the Palestinians should no longer be "humiliated" at check points and by occupation.

"The Palestinian people deserve a better life ... free of the humiliation of occupation," she said.

Failing to note that the check points multiplied when the Palis started Intifada II.

I suppose she has a point. Better a Palestinian Civil War than the humiliation of occupation. In that respect there is a lot to be said for ending the occupation.

Peace talks are in suspension, however, and Hamas, which supports the destruction of Israel, plays a leading role in Palestinian affairs.

And yet, Rice said "things are changing," that moderates were coming to the fore, praising Palestinian Authority chairman Mahmoud Abbas.

That is either wishful thinking or totally delusional. Given that Rice heads the Department of State I vote for delusional. Excepting for UN Ambassador Bolton.

And yes Abbas is a moderate. He wants to squeeze the infidels out of Israel while the radicals of Hamas want to expel them forthwith. As per usual it is always useful to calibrate your measuring scale.


Update: 12 Oct '06 1553z

Captain Ed discusses the Palestinian Civil War.

Commenter Paul notes that Melanie Phillips is thinking along similar lines.