Opinion | Editorials
Carter shows the pragmatic way
By talking to Hamas, the former US president gives a fillip to Mideast peace.
- Gulf News
- Published: 00:17 April 23, 2008
After a rare series of meetings between former US president Jimmy Carter and the exiled leader of Hamas, Khalid Mesha'al, the announcement was made by Hamas that the group would "respect Palestinian national will even if it was against our convictions".
That is, the Islamic resistance group would, in principle, accept a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders if it is approved by Palestinians in a popular referendum.
The idea that a peace deal with Israel should be ratified first by Palestinians is very plausible given the ongoing rift between Hamas and Fatah, Palestine's two main political factions. Ultimately, Palestinians should be given a voice and allowed to participate in the decision making process.
Of course, this wouldn't be the first time Hamas has said it is willing to live peacefully alongside Israel. That the media is choosing to focus on it now is telling of the fact that international personas such as Carter can bring benefit to a stalling conflict and a group sidelined by the US and Israel.
Carter, who no longer has the authority to carry out policies, might have upset Washington and Tel Aviv for meeting with Syria and Hamas, but his learning mission has nevertheless given Hamas a chance to speak. His idea that all parties must be involved is pragmatic. Let's hope those interested in peace are willing to listen.
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