Jemma on Hammas

Jimmy Carter, still irrelevant after all this time. With statements like this, there is no wonder why.

Hamas deserves to be recognized by the international community, and despite the group's militant history, there is a chance the soon-to-be Palestinian leaders could turn away from violence, former President Jimmy Carter said Wednesday.

Carter, who monitored last week's Palestinian elections in which Hamas handily toppled the ruling Fatah, added that the United States should not cut off aid to the Palestinian people, but rather funnel it through third parties like the U.N.

Sigh.

Jemma, Hammas is recognized by the international community. They are a recognized terrorist group. The group's history is also it's present standing function and purpose, to use terrorist force to eliminate the Israeli state.

As for funding the Palestinians through the UN, I don't think that is wise. Graft protections haven't exactly been emplaced, so how would one ensure that the funding went to humanitarian aid and not to buying Hamas some nice new shiny weapons.

Carter said "there's a good chance" that Hamas, which has operated a network of successful social and charitable organizations for Palestinians, could become a nonviolent organization.

The 39th U.S. president said he met with Hamas leaders in Ramallah, in the West Bank, after last week's elections.

"They told me they want to have a peaceful administration. They want to have a unity government, bring in Fatah members and independent members," Carter said. But he added that "what they say and what they do is two different matters."

However, Carter noted, Hamas has adhered to a cease-fire since August 2004, which "indicates what they might do in the future." He said Hamas is "highly disciplined" and capable of keeping any promise of nonviolence it might make.

"A good chance" is not where I want to put my money. And I wonder what Carter considers an adherence to a cease-fire. Rocket attacks against Israel don't meet that criteria?

Sorry Jemma, you just aren't convincing.