Hamas = violence?

Upon reading two commentaries on Hamas’s sweeping victory in Palestinian election made by Straits Times and New Straits Times, the disparity in the attitudes of Muslim and non-Muslim intellectuals towards Hamas, the militant group, is conspicuous.

Commentators in NST have been very supportive since the organisation announced that it will participate in the election. They hailed the group for its spirit, rebutting the West for their prejudice against their “terror organisation”. In the commentary titled “Time for US and EU to engage Hamas in talks”, authors, Fotini and Sreemati, said that “Although Israel continues to arrest its members; Hamas has done little to retaliate.” This statement is obviously a rebuke against the idea that Hamas is a preyer. In last month commentary, the author also compared Hamas with Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt. He questioned the West that if Brotherhood is acceptable in the government, why Hamas is not.

Muslim Brotherhood upholds a purer and more sincere principle of creating a peaceful living space for Muslims. In contrast, Hamas’s language to attract its suppoters is much more vicious. The organisation advocates non-compromise with Israel until they ‘destroy’ the country with the use of terror. Yet, the commentators of NST sympathise with the group, identifying them as the victim of the West.

Nevertheless, sympathy is dangerous sometimes. Adopt Hitler rearmed Germany and launched World War 2, claiming hundred thousands of lives when the rest of the Europe sympathised with the country for her suffering from Treaty of Versailles.

Use of any form of violence is unacceptable, for the ultimate damage done is inconceivable. This is particular true for Palestinians. Israel missile defense system can intercept every missile launched from the Arab nations while her soldiers are equipped with most advanced weapons and armours. If Hamas launches full-scale attack against Israel, Israel will be given a chance to retaliate, leading to extermination of Palestinians.

As for the West, immediate action against newly-formed government is very unwise as it shows insincerity and incoherence in their stand. Hamas was advised to “Go ballot, not bullet”, but they changed their mind when Hamas won the ballot. This will make further agreement promised by the West sounds unreliable, impeding negotiation.

Hence, the West should engage Hamas for considerable periods of time before coming to a hasty conclusion of whether Hamas will bring peace of terror to the Middle East.