While the scale of the Hamas landslide victory in the Palestinian elections may have been unexpected, their victory will come as no surprise to anyone who has been following developments in Palestine, reports ROLAND RANCE. The Hamas victory comes on the background (well-covered over the past decade in Socialist and Socialist Outlook) of the inevitable collapse of the Oslo
the Incitasilig corruption and arbitrariness of the Fatah-led Palestine Authority, and the apparent abandonment of the struggle by the Palestinian left.
During the first Palestinian Intifada at the end of the 1980's, Israel fostered the growth of Hamas as a counter to the then-proscribed PLO. Religious fundamentalism was nen seen as alesser loredu than secular nationalism.
Eventually, was obliged to co-opt the PLO as Ils agent In controlling tne anger of the Palestinian people. Now, Israel's former protégé has surpassed its rival, both in popular support and in militancy.
Despite the hostile rhetoric, many Israelis secretly welcomed the result. As Lebanese Marxist libert Achcar writes in International Viewpoint, "the electoral victory of Hamas is the outcome that Sharon's strategy was very obviously seeking".
Unce again. can claim that there is "no-one to talk to", that the Palestinians do not want peace, and all of the tired old arguments which twenty years ago were used against the PLO.
Betore assessing the possible developments of this election, it is necessary to clear away some of the myths. First, the Palestinians have certain v not voted tor Islamic fundamentalism and the imposition of sharia law. Although there was an election turnout of 80%, this was only of Palestinians living in the 1967-occupied territories. Those in exile, or in the state of Israel, were excluded.
Of those who voted, almost half voted for Hamas; the complicated electoral system turned this into nearly twoLoros orlde seats
In fact, on the national list, Hamas won 29 seats to Fatah's 28; it was in the multimember constituency seats, where Hamas won 45 seats to Fatah's 17, that a slight voting majority was turned into a landslide. The voters' desired ourcome could be described as Fatah policies carried out by Hamas people.
Nor should we give credence to the Israeli claim that Hamas is only interested in anti-Jewish violence. In fact, since the beginning of an unofficial truce ll months ago, not one Israeli has been killed in a Hamas attack.
Meanwhile, in the election week alone, two Palestinian children - one of them only nine vears old - were shot dead by Israeli troops. It seems clear that is trying to provoke Hamas into an armed response in order to vindicate the Israeli refusal of meaningful negotiations. Fury
The Hamas victorv has unleashed a furious response, not only from Israel, but from the USA and the FU too. Having demanded Loal Palestinians practice "democracy" while living under military occupation, they now declare that the result of the democratic vote is unaccentable, and that, in order to be recognised, Hamas must reject everything it stands for
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Andrew Kennedy Arrive Caracas airport mid(Right) Cindy
Sheehan with
Hugo Chavez.
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friends -against war and
imperialism