Hamas and Democracy

Submitted by Bill Storey (United States), Jan 27, 2006 at 23:08

The reason democracy could work in Japan and Germany, but seems problematic in Palestine, is the existence of benign religious influences in the former, and Islam in the latter.

Some have predicted a Palestinian civil war for years. It may now be upon them, and could be so severe that it will force them into a decision: do they decide to coexist with Israel, or cease to exist as a people.

In some ways, this is the choice the Iraqis are facing, to have a secular government that brings peace and prosperity, or an Islamic Sharia Law government that oppresses everyone. It looks like the Iraqis will choose the former, and finally bring about a separation of church and state. Palestine is not there yet, and will probably face much bloodshed before they get there, if they ever do.

The bottom line? Islam is the problem, and has been the problem for 13 centuries. So long as large numbers of people take it seriously, peace is impossible.

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