[Miami Herald] Frida Ghitis - For Palestinians, the fundamental, crucial question about the future is simple: Do they or don't they accept the right of Israel to exist? So far, the answer remains No. In the deal between Hamas and Fatah, Hamas is clear on one point: It will not accept Israel's right to exist. What remains to be seen is whether diplomatic gymnastics will give European countries the cover to ease sanctions. The reality remains that if Palestinians want a normal country, they will have to answer just one crucial question - in the affirmative. We know where Hamas stands. But there are indications that the ''moderate'' Fatah does not truly accept Israel either, even if the suit-and-tie Abbas pushes to make the radical Hamas more palatable to the West.
2007-02-13 01:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive