Libertarian Librarian

"I don't have any real hope that Hamas will become a mainstream, civilized, political organization."

My first statement on Nick's Will Hamas Become Civilized? post on 26 January 2006, following Hamas' victories in the Palestinian elections.
 

[T]he Hamas-led administration defended the attack as a legitimate response to Israeli "aggression."

From an AP story in the San Francisco Chronicle.


"It is not required of the Palestinian people that they raise their hands in surrender, accept the daily Israeli attacks and watch waves of settlers occupy their land and build settlements.

"It is not required of the Palestinian people that they clap Israel and its allies while they mobilize the whole world to besiege the heroic [Palestinian] people ... because they have chosen Hamas.

"For all that, the sacrificial and martyrdom attack occurred in the heart of Tel Aviv, and there will be more later."

Editorial in Al Gomhuria, one of Egypt's three biggest newspapers, and a newspaper which is state-controlled.

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Choosing a busy restaurant on a holiday as a target for a "retaliatory strike" is considered, by the government chosen by the Palestinian people, as a legitimate response to "Israeli 'aggression.'" This was not a situation of civilians being hit by an attack that missed its intended mark. This was not an unfortunate situation of civilian casualties being incurred while "militants" attempted to hit a crack Israeli commando unit as they were all happening to enjoy a Big Mac at the same restaurant. This was an intentional attack against civilian targets (yet again), perpetrated by Muslim terrorists, and justified by the elected government of the Palestinians.

Further, one of the largest state-run newspapers in Egypt comes out and justifies the targeted murder of civilians and suggests that there will be more later.

These are the beliefs of the "militants" who fight on the behalf of the "heroic Palestinian people." These are the beliefs of Arab and Muslim states, expressed directly by their leaders or by proxy through their government-run news agencies. These, we are told, are the beliefs of the Arab-street and the followers of that oft-touted religion of peace.

The rule, as defined by our enemies, is that civilians are legitimate targets in response to aggression.

As such, Israel (and the West) may follow the rules by:

- Targeting civilians leaving a mosque after Friday prayer.
- Targeting civilians in gathering places during holidays.
- Targeting civilians at places of recreation.
- Targeting civilians...

If Israel, or anyone from the West, decides to play by the rules that our enemies have continuously followed for themselves for decades, it will become increasingly difficult to find those who will shed a tear for any of the Arab or Muslim targets of such a "legitimate response."

Benedictus Dominus Deus meus qui docet manus meas ad proelium digitos meos ad bellum.