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Americans for hamas now

APN Welcomes Senate Passage of Hamas Legislation

Americans for Peace Now (APN) today welcomed the Senate's passage of S. 2370, the Palestinian Anti-Terrorist Act of 2006. The House companion version of this legislation, H.R. 4681, passed earlier this year, despite strong opposition from APN and the Bush Administration. APN is a Jewish, Zionist organization dedicated to enhancing Israel's security through peace and to supporting the Israeli Peace Now movement.

"The Senate and House versions of the Palestinian Anti-Terrorist Act are light-years apart in their approach to Hamas' election victory, with S. 2370 reflecting a more sophisticated understanding of the current complexities in the Middle East," said Debra DeLee, President and CEO of Americans for Peace Now. "Like H.R. 4681, the Senate legislation sends a sharp message rejecting terrorism. But in contrast to the House bill, S. 2370 gives the President more flexibility to conduct U.S. foreign policy, preserves the possibility of productive U.S.-Palestinian relations, and differentiates between those Palestinians who embrace a negotiated solution to their conflict with Israel and those who do not. APN has worked hard to have these changes included in this legislation. We welcome the Senate's passage of S. 2370, and we encourage congressional negotiators to accept its provisions if the two versions of the bill are eventually dealt with in conference committee."

The current complexities in the Middle East (h/t IRIS blog )

The Palestinian Authority political leadership has been attempting to distance itself from the kidnapping of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit. Yesterday, PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas instructed PA Prime Minister Haniyeh and Interior Minister Saed Siam to “guarantee the release of the abducted soldier.” [Al-Hayat Al-Jadida, June 27, 2006]

However, one must question the sincerity of such public displays, especially by the Hamas leadership. A review of policy articulated by Hamas political leaders, including Interior Minister Siam himself and the PA Foreign Minister, shows that it was the avowed policy of the Hamas political leadership to kidnap Israeli soldiers as hostages to exchange for terrorists.

The Bush Administration isn't exactly covering itself in glory by backing the watered down/more flexible (depending on your viewpoint) Senate Bill.

Technorati tags: Israel, Hamas.