The Palestinian government spokesman, Ghazi Hamed, said on Wednesday: “I think the Jordanians themselves know more than anybody else the total mendacity and falsehood of these charges. They know that Hamas doesn’t indulge in such activities.”
Hamed also told Al Jazeera.net he hoped that some Arab states would refrain from resorting to “twisted tactics”.
“We are under a sinister Israeli military occupation. And our brotherly Arab states should not increase our burden by indulging in such cheap and stupid disinformation.”
…A day earlier, a Jordanian government spokesman said security forces had seized rocket launchers and other weapons from a Hamas arms cache.
A visit by the new Palestinian foreign minister and senior Hamas leader, Mahmoud al-Zahar, was scrapped as a result.
“I advise our brothers in Jordan to stop making cheap lies to justify their disgraceful subservience to Israel and the United States,” said the minister, speaking on condition of anonymity. [source]
Personally I highly doubt that the government would actually go to such lengths to “frame” Hamas just to avoid dealing with them when it could have just as easily given them the cold shoulder from the get go. It’s not like this is the first time weapons have been smuggled in to the country. On the other hand it would be a ploy to appease the Palestinian population in Jordan, and give a “justified” reason why Jordan shouldn’t deal with Hamas. I don’t know how the authorities knew the weapons came by way of Hamas as it could have been any organization. But then again I doubt anyone really cares. I frankly do not want to see a return to a state where Palestinian armed groups could attack and plan for attacks against Israel on Jordanian soil and then have Jordan pay the consequences.
UPDATE:
PM Marouf Bakhit on Wednesday said arms smuggled by Hamas elements into Jordan were brought from a neighbouring country.
In Gaza, meanwhile, Palestinian officials said the government was investigating the issue to find out how the weapons were smuggled into Jordan and who perpetrated the operation.
Also yesterday, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ Spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeina said Abbas told Foreign Minister Abdul Ilah Khatib in a phone conversation that any harm to Jordan was also an act against his own people, according to Reuters.
…Tuesday’s announcement drew reactions that varied between condemnation of Hamas’ â??attempts to undermine Jordan’s national securityâ? and criticism to the government’s failure to present sufficient evidence to implicate the movement.
â??There is tremendous Western pressure on Jordan and other Arab countries to boycott the Hamas-led-Palestinian Authority. But we believe that this is not the way to deal with the group or handle the situation, especially that Hamas abided by agreements with Jordan and would never target the Kingdom or its security,â? said IAF Deputy Ali Abul Sukkar.
Fellow IAF MP Jaafar Horani told The Jordan Times that during the meeting with Bakhit, the Islamist deputies said that the information given about the seizure of arms â??did not add up.â?Â
…But an official said the government â??does not need to fabricate a story in order to avoid a meeting with Hamas,â? adding that Jordan gave many positive signals to Hamas and showed support for the elected government. [source]
The two arguments seem to be taking center stage this week. Suffice to say that either way the end result will probably be an increase in the love for Hamas amongst the majority of the masses. But who knows.
Nas, I have a million reaso not to believe the governmentof ours, it’s just insulting to even consider the story to be true, it’s too fabricated to be true!
1) Hamas never carried an operation outside Israel, not even in the states! how about Jordan!
2) Hamas cannot afford the weapons, not to mention smuggling them! they can’t find money to feed themselves.
3) The timing of the charges is insulting to a child’s intelligence!
4) Hamas would never hurt Jordanians, even if they are called “terrorsits”, they won’t hurt Palestinians inside Jordan!
5) The charges were aimed only to prevent the visit of Al Zahar, if that’s not true, the government could have just discussed the issue with him during the visit and even arrest him if the charges are true.
I feel stupid just to consider proving to anyone that the government is doing a cheap ploy, it’s too obvious!
“….it would be a ploy to appease the Palestinian population in Jordan, and give a â??justifiedâ? reason why Jordan shouldnâ??t deal with Hamas….” It’s why the government thought that it’s not a wise choice to decline the visit of Al Zahar without justifications, at the end, the majority of the country including the Islamic front might want to express their refusal to the decision in an unexpected way…
I felt insulted, and I expressed that in a previous post.
I second omar.
I’m sorry, but the Jordanian government is not comprised of Godly prophets for me to take every word they say as truth. There are many questions that have to be answered before the Jordanian people can be convinced that these allegations are true. Who were the people that had the weapons? How do we know they were members of Hamas? Are we sure they were not a bunch of renegades? Are these weapons new or have they been in Jordan for decades? Where were they smuggled from? How can we be sure of all of this?
Knowing that it was US pressure back in 1999 (when Jordan wasn’t as close of an ally to the US as it is today) that forced the Jordanian government to even violate the constitutional right of Jordanian citizens when it came to boycotting Hamas, I wouldn’t be surprised if it was pure US pressure that caused Jordan to come up with this excuse not to meet with Hamas today.
I mean I can easily see a request made by the US from Jordan to not meet with Hamas at any cost, and I can see the Jordanian government not being able to say no to that. How come you don’t see that?
Omar, you make several valid points no doubt, and the timing is another cause for concern. However at the same time to say that an armed Palestinian group is not prepared to hurt Jordanians is a bit misleading based on what has happened in the past. Also western targets, including Israeli ones such as the embassy etc, are considerbly easier to aim at compared to Israel. Lastly I wouldn’t put it past Hamas. On the other hand I wouldn’t put it past our government either. It is questionable and your points are valid, I just feel however that there is more than meets the eye on this one and such a “cheap trick” is in itself suspectible…it carries little currency in believability and any political strategist working behind the scenes would know that.
Hamzeh, “government is not comprised of Godly prophets for me to take every word they say as truth” you always hint at this with me as if this is exactly what I do. I’m sorry if your political sensibilities are more finely tuned than my own but take a step back and recognise that I did not come down on either side. I am saying that the whole incident is questionable and I am not prepared to put full faith in what they said as the whole truth nor as a complete lie. I am basically unsure. But it looks like you’ve made up your mind…for the both of us in fact 😉
Wait is that an admission?http://www.petra.gov.jo/nepras/2006/Apr/19/93.htm
The story of the brought in arms from Hamas to Jordan is unquestionably questionable 😀
But on the other hand, I don’t think, and I hope I’m right, that the Jordanian authorities are that stupid to announce only this much and confirm everybody’s doubts that it was all fabricated by the government so that they wouldn’t have to receive Al Zahar and hence upset the US and Israel.
There’s definitely more to this, most likely a third party is involved in this. And most likely, this third party found its way in because a bigger fourth party has allowed it.
At any rate, the Jordanian government must have expected people’s reaction and hopefully, for the sake of not losing face at least, they will give more details and names of those who are supposedly Hamas; because right now, only Jordan looks bad and only Jordan will pay for this as Hamas supporters in Jordan constitutes more than half its population.
Palestinians inside have nothing left to lose, almost, and Hamas has initially cleared up its side infront of everyone.
BTW, I really hated how Al Jazeera approached this, God 7assait el reporter kaman shway beddo y2ool “ikh9 3al urdun bas” lol bias at its best!
The Informer, Hamas now is in presidency and is no longer just another political group! What they have said means that they are fully aware of how serious what happened is and shows nothing but transparency and good intentions.
In the past so called Hamas followers would commit crimes, and when they did Hamas was blamed, sadly the same thing is happening now but it’s time to differentiate or otherwise we’ll be as bad as Israel.
It is unfair to blame Hamas when they weren’t given a chance to meet up and form a government in the first place and now after they’ve somehow managed to do so despite of the occupation they have to deal with all of this, alone!.
As long as there’s no evidence that Hamas planned or helped in bringing weapons into the Jordanian soil, I believe they are innocent and what they’ve done till now only strengthen their position.
Naseem, I’m confused as to why you would say the following:
“you always hint at this with me as if this is exactly what I do”
I do that? And always! I think you’re over-reacting to my comment which with all honestly wasn’t intended in the personal way you received it.
Anyway, I’m not talking about anyone making up their mind, because I personally can’t tell if either side is lying or if either side is telling the truth. But to me this is about what the most likely scenario is, and quite honestly (and this is unfortunate), in the world of politics this is the only thing observers like you and me in this case can afford to talk about since we never receive the full facts and we are left to speculate.
I believe that given what we all know about the history between the Jordanian governments in the past 6 or 7 years and Hamas, and given the current circumnstances of both sides where on one Hamas is entering the political game and is moving away from isolation and militancy and is desperately seeking acceptance which makes it even more careful when it comes to Arabic states whos alliance is really valuable at this point, and where on the other side Jordan is operating in a mode that is focussed more on nationalistic economic goals that are increasingly aligned with US foreign policies, one of which is in direct conflict with Hamas, and given the suspicious coinciding of this sudden finding by the Jordanian government with the announced visit of the Hamas leaders, I think it is only fair and reasonable that if one was to produce a most likely scenario one would default to the conclusions that it is more likely that the Jordanian government’s story is at best inaccurate and that it is more likely that this was only done to avoid a hand shake with Hamas from the Jordanian government.
Informer, I think it’s very wishful to call that story a confession.
-Nas, “an armed Palestinian group is not prepared to hurt Jordanians is a bit misleading based on what has happened in the past.”, without going into aimless debate about the past, I didn’t mention in my comment that an armed Palestinian group wouldn’t hurt Jordanians, I was talking about Hamas, not about every palestinian group. And Hams with no doubt, won’t hurt Jordanians at all.
-Informer, I think you’re too happy about the news, if this is a confession, then I’m even more sure than ever about the fabrications! my friend, it’s called politics, Hamas can’t lose Jordan over foolish announcements, they have to make a diplomatic one in an effort to captivate the situation.
Let’s not forget that Jordan could be placed under a great amount of pressure that it’s possible that the story might be fabricated. I’m not trying to justify it, had it been true, but I’s saying that we should look at the matter from different angles. Tensions with Hamas must be eased and not provoked! Hamas now is the Palestinain Government, the choice of the Palestinian people. Sadly, no one seems to grasp the idea!
Jordan has a history with Hamas… and I pray that we’ll maintain the good relations this time and not blow it as we did before! We have a history at destroying our good relations by imprudent actinos!
Hamzeh, “I do that? And always! I think youâ??re over-reacting to my comment which with all honestly wasnâ??t intended in the personal way you received it.” lol come on man, lets not kid ourselves 😉
Omar, “I was talking about Hamas, not about every palestinian group. And Hams with no doubt, wonâ??t hurt Jordanians at all.” People who were blatant supporters of Zarqawi said the exact same thing about AlQueda before november 9th 2005. And note that I said I wouldn’t put it past them as opposed to saying “without a doubt”.
Naseem man, my comment wasn’t as much about people willing to believe everything that the government says and take it as a Godly truth as much as it was about the fact that our government doesn’t really have the credibility that would let people (even Jordanians) easily believe it for it to come out and put us in this situation by giving this story with almost zero acceptable evidence.
Nas I would be extremely shocked if you expressed otherwise! 😉
omar you make excellent points.. points that blind supporters of any ‘government’ would dismiss as insane! 😉
I personally think that Georgey boy, et al. pressed one of the buttons on his remote control, and well we heard the news…
Shame on the ‘militant’ group Hamas! How could they! (
hmm, the entire comment didn’t show up! Anyway, I intended to write immediately after the above quoted: (Just to clarify: a great deal of pun was intended)
Hamzeh, its fair to say that we shouldn’t accept everything the government says but what I’m saying is that there should be a balance here…we shouldn’t deny everything either. For the longest time people have been living in denial whenever the government says AlQueda is up to something in the country. It’s always “a ploy to distract people from an increase in sugar prices”. Something to think about.
Iman, I would be extremely shocked if you expressed otherwise! 😉
As I’ve mentioned elsewhere, if someone wanted to divide the kingdom, this is a pretty good way to see where the loyalties lie. The old chestnut, “Jordan did this because it’s the pawn of the USA” just doesn’t fly, as the awareness of the population percentages is no secret. To inflame has never been in the kingdom’s interest; it’s always sought to keep a damper on the fire.
Hamas or its agents in the IAF could have done this for the very reasons mentioned, to split the kingdom, as Bani Irsheid and the IAF have always wanted. “Bani Irsheid said Jordan’s move against Hamas would only boost the Islamist group’s appeal in a country at the heart of the Arab-Israeli conflict where many ordinary Jordanians, a majority of whom are Palestinians, are hostile towards Israel.
“Once it is exposed that this story has no credibility it will have the reverse effect the government intended…and will only increase the popularity of Hamas among people,” he said.
Jordan has always been a country of two minds: one wanted normalization, one did not. One wanted to move forward and develop a modern nation capable of suriving without supoort, free of the rock and hard place in which it finds itself. The other wanted to continually drag conflicts across the border, be they from east, or west. Let’s not ignore what this situation has done for the IAF.
If you want to figure out where they blame lies, determine who is gaining the most. The IAF/Brotherhood and their connections to Hamas have always been a source of real concern. If Hamas wanted to hurt Jordan, this situation, their denial and the gauntlet thrown down by the IAF is a pretty bloody good way to do that, isn’t it.
Nas, I’m not denying the government story, I’m saying, as an observer, it’s really hard to believe, and I’ve already explained why.
And I think the Al Qaeda analogy doesn’t belong here. Al Qaeda has a direct interest in distablizing Jordan and toppling the government, why would the Palestinian government have that interest in Jordan? The only scenario I can imagine for the Palestinian government to sanction an operation in Jordan would be against an Israeli target. Why would they target Israel in Jordan when it is right in front of them and even on the same land they live in?
Targets in Jordan are easier. Getting tactical support amongst the masses is easier. etc etc.
AlQueda is an analogy for an element that seeks to bring any form of violence into the country: beit it in the form of toppling a regime or targeting the GID or the Israeli embassy or the American embassy. Everyone has their intentions..suffice to say…the targets are there.
Oh please!
That’s absurd! How are ‘targets’ in Jordan ‘easier?’ and how is getting ‘tactical support amongst the masses easier?’ and while we are at it, what ‘masses’ are you talking?
Naseem, again! absurd…I wouldn’t go as far as comparing the newly formed Palestinian Government with AlQaeda …That’s an insult to Palestine and the Palestinian People…
Nas, come on man you don’t seriously believe that it’s easier to target Israeli’s in Jordan than it is to target them in Palestine or Israel! In Jordan there are only a few possible targets and they are well guarded especially after what happened last fall. Even the shopping malls that receive thousands of Arabs, Muslims and especially Palestinians every day are heavily guarded, you can rest assured that places where Israeli’s are known to go are heavily guarded as well. Also, if this story turns out to be true, then it only proves that targetting Israeli’s in Jordan is harder since this story would be evidence of the strict security measures that are implemented in the country.
I agree that Al Qaeda (and that affiliation is something that is easily achieved these days) does have an interest in “bringing in any form of violence into the country”. I personally don’t believe Hamas has that same interest in Jordan. Al Qaeda has an interest in distablizing Jordan, I don’t think the Palestinian government has that interest. Al Qaeda has a declared region of operations that spans the entire Middle East, Hamas has a declared region that only includes Palestine and they have enough enemies there to deal with that they can’t really afford to open new fronts outside. As a matter of fact they are in desperate need for the opposite, to gain as many friends and allies from the outside, especially those that are friendly to their enemies, like Jordan is. It really bemuzes me that people are willing to overlook the great value of Jordan to Hamas and they think that Hamas doesn’t realize this. This is the second attempt from Hamas to secure a handshake with the Jordanian government, it’s not the first.
Iman, you are free to disagree with me but please do not call my opinions “absurd” simply because you do; offer me the same respect I offer you. as for your arguement:
As much as we’d like to believe Jordan is well protected (which comparitvly to other Arab nations it is), compared to Israel it is not. If an armed group in Palestine wished to attack then given the proper equipment (such as a rocket launcher) Amman is realively easier than Tel a viv. As for the masses; armed groups (particularly hamas) enjoy a great popularity amongst the Palestinians in Jordan, especially in the camps. Socially they would have the support.
apparently you misunderstood. hamas could be recognised by the UN for all I care at the end of the day it remains an armed group just like alqueda just like hizbollah. as for agendas and intentions, those are obviously different. alqueda is about 180 degrees away from hamas. however when it comes to Jordan everyone has their intentions and their goals and so at the end of the day they are all considered elements which seek to undermine the security of the country, whatever their goals may be.
Hamzeh,
despite the fact that we do have heavy security there are still many targets all across the board that can be considered targets. we automatically think the american or israeli embassy, but last november 3 hotels were hit instead. we think military bases or conferences, last november they hit a wedding. an armed group is free to pick and choose its targets according to its agenda and intentions. how well protected are the Israeli-Jordanian free industrial zone(s)? And if we backtrack through our modern history we see Jordanians and Jordan being targetted just as easily (if not easier) than Israeli targets?
As for the politics. Despite the fact that it was democratically elected does not over ride the fact that Hamas is politically impotent. We have seen that in the past few weeks and will see that in the months to come no doubt. I am not comparing Alqueda to Hamas, I’m well aware of the vast difference. But when it comes to armed palestinian groups and jordan, the former has always had a vested interest in setting up a secure franchise in the latter and that in itself is a destabilizing element in the country. And many of these groups are not organizationally structured in the traditional way of a single entity, rather their own members will act independently if they want.
The possibilities are endless.
Lastly and more importantly, of all the possibilities and questions on whether a group like Hamas would or could target something in Jordan, if it all comes down to simply smuggling arms in from another country by way of Jordan, that in itself is harmful to the country’s own relations and that in itself is undermining our own security and the safety of our citizens.
Come on Naseem, it is just impossible! you can’t even think about it, it’s like…like saying the earth is square.
Must get rid of your paranoia.
Iman, sorry but where did Nas say that Hamas is like Al Qaeda? he made no reference to Hamas at all actually.
Calling your opinion absurd is not disrespectful nor is it a personal insult…it’s rather stating that i find your opinion odd!
It’s not an argument, but more of asking questions to clear the confusion you left me with.
As for what you state, all I have to say is why on earth would Hamas target jordan when the majority of the ‘masses’ are of palestinian origin?! the embassy and tourist locations do not qualify as valid targets! Alqaeda and hizballah and hamas are three different groups with different agendas and different goals.
Who is everyone? This will address Shaden’s “Must get rid of your paranoia” comment as well: Naseem, Do you actually think that everyone is out to get Jordan? seriously!
The alqaeda analogy was used by naseem to justify his opinion on the immense possibility that the Arms story was not fabricated! 😉
Why bring up Al-qaeda to begin with!
Shaden, lol my paranoia keeps me alive 😀
Iman,
I’m not going to fret about it. It was a simple request and perhaps you don’t consider someone calling you “absurd” disrespectful (although I doubt it) I on the other hand do 🙂
this is the exact exact exact same arguement alqueda supporters used to say before they hit amman. and although their popularity decreased massivly you still had people who said the bombings were fabricated by the government because “why on earth would AlQueda target Jordan, target a hotel, target a wedding when the majority of victims would be palestinian/jordanian/muslim”? I recognise the differences between these groups, some of them I consider noble and some of them I consider criminal. What I am saying here is that with Jordan as the context all armed islamic groups have a vested interest in destabalizing Jordan, the government, the monarchy, and even the people.
again, all groups or peoples who have a vested interest in destabalizing Jordan, the government, the monarchy, and even the people. The word “everyone” does not mean the entire population of the planet Earth; the usage of this word here implies “every one who…”
that is incorrect and you can refer back to the first time I make mention of it. what I said was that the reasons and/or arguements people are using to say the government is lying are similar to what was said about AlQueda in the past. again, the arguements are similar and the individual groups on a whole have similar intentions when it comes to Jordan or their view of Jordan…even though these groups are different with respect to their causes and what they are fighting for.
but you are fretting about it! I did not call you absurd. I referred to your opinion as absurd..again, I thought I clearly said: Calling your opinion absurd is not disrespectful nor is it a personal insultâ?¦itâ??s rather stating that i find your opinion odd…but at any rate, I apologize if you took it as a personal insult…
As for the rest of your points, it’s pointless to continue discussing this, for it is starting to sound like a broken record that I lost interest in hearing just about now
as you wish 🙂
Nas, ok I’ll give you the point that it isn’t much more difficult, technically speaking, for Palestinian groups to target Israelies outside of Israel and particularly in Jordan. However, I still think carrying out attacks in Jordan is out of the question for most Palestinian groups and especially for Hamas which happens to be leading the current Palestinian government. It simply doesn’t add up. And I believe there’s no point in comparing Hamas to Palestinian groups in the past (60’s 70’s) because it would make more sense to be more skeptical of Fatah since it was the instigator of that past that people seem to always wanna go back to when it comes to Hamas for some reason! Does that add up?
Also, it’s really interesting the topic that you raise about Hamas’ political impotence. Do you really think it’s fair to talk about that when you know how the rest of the world is not helping? And when you know that the core of this discussion between you and me is the possibility that Jordan is in on the plan to isolate Hamas and never allow it to achieve political success because of its close relations with the United States and Israel.
Finally, about smuggling weapons through Jordan. I really don’t see how that is possible with heavy Israeli and Jordanian security along the borders of the West Bank and knowing that Israel has annexed that part of the West Bank that runs across the Jordnaian borders. It is much much easier to look for smuggling weapons through the Egyptian borders.
I’m not saying it didn’t happen, I’m saying most likely that is the case, and quite honestly, you’d have to be living in denial to ignore how suspiciously convenient this alleged operation is for the Jordanian government and to ignore the fact that our government unfortunately isn’t very unlikely to produce sotries such as this one.
It really is quite interesting to see such a strong desire for so many to believe Hamas on this issue but not to believe Jordan. Hamas has a history of dirty deeds on Jordanian soil, which everyone knows. They also have connections with the MB/IAF, which everyone knows. Those two facts are not in dispute. So why do so many inside the kingdom choose to support the statements of another government? Why is Hamas given the benefit of the doubt on this, while Jordan is not given the time to produce links and connections that may show more clearly what occurred.
Jordan has a PR issue, it’s clear, when it comes to things threatening the kingdom. Television parades of conspirators always beggars belief. But such shows are more a symptom of the distrust that is rife in the Jordanian public, a public that trusts the Palestinian/Hamas goverment over their own. That seems very problematic. And it’s not too far a stretch to say others might see such a reality as “opportunity.”
So many are still smarting over “normalization.” Get over it. It’s done and it’s the only way forward at this point. Egypt and Jordan knew it and yes, they were pressured. And yes, it sucks. But it was the most pragmatic thing to do. Just because so many don’t like that agreement and how it came about, it should not taint Jordan’s claims. At the very least it shouldn’t make Hamas more trustworthy. Hamas and Jordan troubles don’t go that far back; think Ibrahim Ghosheh on the tarmack at Queen Alia in 2001. That scene provides a great deal of subtext to this situation.
It seems pretty clear that Hamas was moving weapons through Jordan from Syria. It may not have come from high up but then again it could have. Whether there was any intent to strike targets inside the kingdom is a more difficult question. Many say “no way” simply because it’s not been done before; it’d be stupid, they figure. But is that really enough evidence, especially given the unique position Hamas is now in? Isn’t it conceivable that they might try a different route? Of course it is. It’s just as possible as any other conspiracy theory about Jordan.
Lastly, some point to the bankrupt Palestinian treasury as evidence that Hamas simply couldn’t afford such an action. Let’s take a look at these weapons. We’re not talking MIG fighters or a Stinger. This stuff looks like it’s at Qassem III rocket level or below. Second, remember the financial difficulties the territories faced while Arafat and his cronies sat fat and happy (as Suha lived the high life in Paris). Don’t give Hamas the benefit of the doubt -â?? again. They likely do have money that is going towards other things than municipal salaries and the like.
Hamas has done well for people in Palestine. That is not in doubt. But King Abdullah has also done well for Jordan. But Hamas positive actions for the Palestinian people shouldn’t provide them carte blanche on an issue like this.
There is evidence to support this was a dirty deed and their fingerprints are all over it. Why aren’t people in Jordan providing their government – the one they pay taxes to, the one that provides them the lifestyle they enjoy – with a moment or two to clarify things? Instead, all are quick to condemn and embrace Hamas.
Hamas rise to power has revealed their political naïveté, suggesting past actions may not be reflected in their current decisions. It certainly should suggest that they do not deserve MORE consideration than Jordan on this issue. Hamas is finding that it was one thing to stand on the sidelines and point, to live day-to-day as an ideologue.
Reality requires compromise. Daoud Kuttab notes that in a discussion with West Bank Hamas leader Hassan Yousef, the group is now in an unenviable position that “will result either in the fall of its short-lived government or in the collapse of its political principles.”
He goes on to make some very salient points:
“Various friends have tried to advise Hamas leaders, providing them with ideas on how to get out of the mess they found themselves in. Left-wing groups have suggested that Hamas use the umbrella of the PLO, which signed various peace agreements. Fateh leaders suggested that Hamas recognise the Palestinian Basic Law (constitution) and do what any new ruler does, accept existing agreements and treaties. Arab leaders have suggested the adoption of the Beirut summit’s peace plan as a way to get around the condition of recognising Israel.
Israel also appeared willing to deal with Hamas if it reined in the radical groups who launch rockets in Gaza or send suicide bombers from the West Bank. In every political test that it faced, Hamas failed to understand what was happening and the consequence of its decisions.” That’s found in full here: http://www.daoudkuttab.com/?item=hamas-predicament-partly-political-naivete
And some consideration should be given to this NYT piece following 9/11 in the kingdom. Instability in the kingdom bodes well for certain forces that want change, perhaps a change to a face that would be more friendly to Hamas and its isolation. So consider the introduction here in the broader sense of today’s reality:
“All is chaos under heaven,” a revolutionary once wrote, “and the situation is excellent.” The writer was not Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the terrorist whose group has claimed responsibility for the triple bombing last week in Amman, Jordan, but Chairman Mao.
The creation of chaos has often been a first step in the revolutionary process, and that is one way to look at the terrible bombings, which killed 57 people.
Many Jordanians, who lit candles, marched and appeared united against the terrorism, said that Mr. Zarqawi had achieved little beyond generating a fierce backlash against his cause.
But some experts on the Middle East warned the shock and fury that came after the explosions may have been part of the terrorists’ calculation, a first step toward fracturing Jordanian society, with a goal of one day overthrowing the state.”
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/13/weekinreview/13glanz.html?ex=1289538000&en=8accc8f73c1c74e2&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss
Informer,
“Hamas has a history of dirty deeds on Jordanian soil, which everyone knows. They also have connections with the MB/IAF, which everyone knows.”
Actually I’m one of the people who don’t know a lot about the “dirty deeds on Jordanian soul” that you speak of, you might want to shed some more light on that for me if you will. And about connections with the MB/IAF, in case you didn’t know, there are freakin Jordanian parliament members who are members of the MB/IAF so I don’t see what your point is. It’s not like being part of the IAF is something that is illegal in Jordan.
“Hamas rise to power has revealed their political naïveté, suggesting past actions may not be reflected in their current decisions. It certainly should suggest that they do not deserve MORE consideration than Jordan on this issue. Hamas is finding that it was one thing to stand on the sidelines and point, to live day-to-day as an ideologue.”
Actually Hamas’ rise to power hasn’t revealed anything about being politically naive as much as it has revealed the hypocrisy of countries like the US and in Europe who rejected Hamas’ offer to achieve the two goals that these countries have always claimed to promote: Palestinian democracy, and peaceful negotiations. The Palestinian government today deserves the most consideration from everyone who’s interested in a fair and just peace in the region and not only his/her own personal pleasure of seeing his/her political aspirations in the region realized like so many pro-Israelies and anti-Islamists are doing today. It is easy to jump on the case of the weakest player and the Palestinians today are the weakest players in the region, but what is not easy to take a step back and present a balanced and fair view of what really is going on and that is the fact that there is a plan to isolate the Palestinian government and force its failure and deterioration so that the Palestinian people are forced to elect a new and different one and the only reason for that is that this Palestinian government is not comprised of the same corrupt individuals that countries like the US and in Europe are used to dealing with and bribing, and that Israel is used to receive concessions from.
The fact is Jordan will always be the Palestinian people’s most strategic choice for regional allies and its value becomes more realized in the short term if they are able to secure good relations with it as it maintains good ties with the United States and Israel. Securing the support of a Jordanian government that is received by the US as an ally in the region is probably the first step for Hamas’ to break through onto the world scene as the new representative of the Palestinians and the true partner in negotiations, and that is exactly what countries like the US and Israel don’t want to see and that is exactly what our government will be forced to comply with by any means necessary provided the existence of pressure from the US (which you and I can rest assured exists today).
This is how I view things and this is why I come up with the conclusion that if we were to speculate as to Hamas’ degree of involvement in this alleged incident we would have to rule in favor of Hamas. This incident will not serve Hamas in any way and time will show that for both you and I.
Palestinians kill Palestinians frequently in the OT. What makes them killing each other in Jordan so strange?