Abbas dupes US:

"Recognition" is functional, not inherent

by Itamar Marcus and Barbara Crook- Oct. 5, 2006

“Abbas: Hamas must recognize Israel,” announced the headline on the lead story in today’s Jerusalem Post. The article went on to report that “PA chairman Mahmoud Abbas vowed to fire the Hamas-led government before the end of the month unless... they accepted Israel's right to exist. Abbas made his pledge in a meeting with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who expressed Washington's full support for the PA chairman and his Fatah party in their confrontation with Hamas."

Only the day before, however, Abbas said on PA TV that Hamas does not have to recognize Israel – nor does his own Fatah faction: “Hamas is not required to recognize Israel… It is not required of Hamas, or of Fatah, or of the Popular Front to recognize Israel.”

He went on to say that government officials must “recognize their counterparts” in order to “solve people’s problems,” indicating that this does not constitute an inherent recognition of Israel, just a functional recognition that allows the PA to get what it needs:

“I do not demand of Hamas nor any other to recognize Israel. But from the government that works with Israelis in day to day life, yes.”

It appears that Rice has been duped into believing that this is a sincere recognition of Israel. She told Abbas after their meeting: "We have great admiration for you and leadership," and is quoted in The Jerusalem Post as saying that the US will “redouble efforts” to help the Palestinians.

The following interview with Mahmoud Abbas was broadcast on Al-Arabiya [based in Dubai] and Palestinian TV on October 3, 2006 :

The host asks Mahmoud Abbas which points Hamas opposed [thus preventing the establishing of a Palestinian unity government].

Abbas: One of the most prominent sections the Hamas opposed is the Arab initiative. The Arab initiative, we were those who created it... There are important things in the Arab initiative, despite that they [Hamas] claim that the initiative does not deal with the refugees. And I say that the inclusion of the refugee issue is as clear as the sun. There is a clause calling for a just and agreed solution for the refugee problem according to [UN] resolution 194 [regarding refugees]. So how can they say the clause does not exist? Another subject – they say that it [the Arab initiative] recognizes Israel. The document states that should Israel evacuate Arab lands, should Israel evacuate Palestinian lands, and if a Palestinian state will be established, and if the refugee problem will be solved, all the Arabs will then normalize their relations with Israel. Similarly, the Islamic Conference adopted the initiative, as well as the Islamic countries regarding normalizing relations. So where is the error? Where is the error when they say they don’t want it [the Arab initiative]? There are four conditions! That is – if this will happen, and that will happen, and this will happen, and that will happen, we will reach… [normalization].”

Host: “But maybe Hamas is right regarding the fact that it does not want to recognize Israel.”

Abbas [snaps]: “Hamas is not required, Hamas is not required to recognize Israel… It is not required of Hamas, or of Fatah, or of the Popular Front to recognize Israel, all right?

"The PLO, in 1993, recognized Israel. As Israel recognized the PLO. Every person has the right to say ‘I do not recognize,’ okay? It’s your right. It is the right of every organization. But the government which will be formed, and which will function opposite the Israelis on a daily basis… every hour and perhaps every second, there will be contact between Palestinian ministers and Israeli ministers. And I ask – how can this government, or these ministers, not recognize their counterparts, and then solve people’s problems?” [Abbas then gives an example of 500 million dollars in taxes intended for the Palestinians, but put on hold by Israelis. The Palestinian finance minister has to come to an agreement with the Israeli finance minister regarding the transfer of that money.] “So how can he make an agreement with him if he does not recognize him?

"So I do not demand of Hamas nor any other [organizations] to recognize Israel. But from the government that works with Israelis in day to day life, yes.”

Was 2004 prisoner release the motivation for 2006 kidnappings?

by Itamar Marcus and Barbara Crook- Sept. 27, 2006

The recent kidnappings by Hamas and Hezbollah of Israeli soldiers as barter for jailed terrorists were not the first. In 2004, Israel released more than 1,000 jailed terrorists in exchange for Israelis kidnapped by Hezbollah.

In 2004 the Palestinians expressed support for the Hezbollah and saw the kidnapping as a positive precedent. They responded with statements that kidnappings leading to release of prisoners would be their modus operandi for the release of more prisoners in the future. [See statements below.]

Given these statements and their effect on the Palestinian population,it is certainly plausible that the recent kidnappings that led to the war were a direct result of Israel's actions in 2004, which led Palestinians to conclude that Israel would continue to free terrorists to gain the release of kidnapped hostages.

The overwhelming Palestinian support for the current kidnappings indicates how deeply entrenched among Palestinians is the assumption that Israel will acquiesce to the prisoner exchange demands.

The following quotes from the PMW archives are Palestinian responses immediately after the exchange of terrorists for kidnapped Israelis in January 2004, and subsequent responses throughout the year:

“Fatah’s military branch organized a civilian and military procession yesterday through the streets of Rafah. This event was held in appreciation and gratitude for the efforts Hizbullah made for the release of Arab and Palestinian prisoners from Israel jails as part of the prisoner exchange deal with Israel. In a public statement by the Abu Al-Rish Brigades, Fatah’s military wing emphasized the need to follow Hezbollah’s example in order to achieve the release of all prisoners and detainees."
[Al-Hayat Al-Jadida, January 29, 2004]

“PM Ahmad Qurei: The detainees issue is at the top of the [Palestinian] government’s list of priorities. Their release is a condition to any possible deal. Protests in all areas. “The Al Aqsa Martyr Brigades” called on its members to kidnap Israelis in order to pressure Israel on the prisoners’ issue….”
[Al-Hayat Al-Jadida, August 16, 2004]

“The Islamic Jihad movement pointed out – in a public statement that was published on its behalf and was distributed during the procession – that it has the right to do any action for the prisoners’ release…Mushir Al-Masri, Hamas spokesman, said that ‘Hamas’ threats to kidnap soldiers still exist, and the movement will do everything in its power for the sake of the prisoners’ release…’”
[Al-Ayyam, August 17, 2004]

“The Hamas movement organized a mass rally yesterday in the refugee camp in Jabaliya…in a sign of solidarity with the prisoners and the detainees…Many of the family members of the prisoners and the Shahids [Martyrs] participated in the rally…A senior member in the Hamas movement, Dr. Nizar Rayan…called on all resistance factions to act for the kidnapping of Israeli soldiers in order to exchange them with our brave prisoners….”
[Al-Hayat Al-Jadida, August 21, 2004]

“The Al-Quds Brigades, Islamic Jihad’s military wing, and the Al Aqsa Martyr Brigades, which belong to the Fatah movement, threatened to kidnap Israeli settlers and soldiers for the release of the prisoners in Israeli detention centers...The Al Quds Brigades and the Al Aqsa Martyr Brigades said during a joint press conference in the tent of a sit-down strike in the square of the unknown soldier: ‘…we have decided to increase our efforts to kidnap Zionist soldiers and settlers…we will not back down and we will not change our minds about that purpose, in no way, and we will do everything in our power in order to achieve it.’ They mentioned several previous kidnapping attempts within the last three months, which have failed…They added… that directions were given… to all military chains to begin operations for kidnapping Israeli settlers and soldiers to save the prisoners.”
[Al-Hayat Al-Jadida, August 27, 2004]

Hamas: Pope is Nazi,
arrogant, stupid and criminal;
Allah will punish Pope in due time

by Itamar Marcus and Barbara Crook- Sept. 25, 2006

A cartoon in the current issue of the official Hamas weekly "Al Risala" features Pope Benedict holding a Swastika while wearing a scarf of US and Danish flags. Meanwhile, on Fatah-controlled PA TV, a Hamas religious leader called the Pope "criminal and arrogant," "ignorant and stupid," and then warned the Pope to await his punishment. Allah doesn't necessarily punish the wicked immediately, but waits "until a day when eyes will stare (in terror)."

Text: "The Pope and those who live under his cloak"
[Al-Risala, September 18, 2006]

From the Friday sermon by Hamas religious leader, Dr. Osama Al-Mazini:

"The second message is for the criminal Benedict the 16th, the Vatican Pope. For this ignorant and stupid Pope, who has no one to attack besides Islam and the Prophet [Muhammad], may the Creator have mercy on him and protect him. He [the Pope] characterized Islam as a cruel religion, and characterized Muhammad, may the Creator have mercy on him and protect him, as a cruel man, spilling blood, who strove to kill. This hostile Pope refuses to apologize to Muslims; and, instead of apologizing he blames the Muslims for not understanding, thereby adding crime upon crime. This arrogant Pope sees the Muslims as too inferior that he should apologize to them. To this arrogant Pope - criminal and arrogant - this message is from Allah the Elevated and the Exalted, as it was said: 'Think not that Allah is unaware of what the wicked do. He but gives them a respite until a day when eyes will stare (in terror).' [Sura14:42]"
[Palestinian Authority TV, September 22, 2006]

Virgins of Paradise -
music video returns to PA TV

by Itamar Marcus and Barbara Crook- Sept. 19, 2006

A music video depicting a Shahid (Martyr for Allah) being rewarded by marrying the Dark Eyed Maidens (Virgins) of Paradise has returned to Palestinian Authority (PA) television.

The clip portrays a woman being shot in the back by Israeli soldiers. She is immediately

transported to Paradise, where she joins other Maidens wearing identical long white gowns, all joyously dancing in water, waiting to marry their Shahid. The next scenes depict sthe grieving man visiting the woman's grave. He is likewise shot in the back by soldiers, and immediately transported to heaven to his reward of "Maidens."

To view video of Martyr with Maidens of Paradise click here.

This is one of the longest-running music videos on PA TV and had been broadcast incessantly for years, often several times a day during the PA terror war (2000-2005). This recurring image of the Martyr being rewarded by receiving the Maidens was part of the multifaceted PA campaign glorifying and encouraging terror, and promoting suicide terror as idyllic Shahada (Martyrdom for Allah).

After an absence of more than a year, PA TV has begun broadcasting this video clip regularly for the past month.

The belief that man is rewarded with beautiful women in Paradise is based on Islamic traditions in the Quran [Suras 42, 44, 52, 56, and others] and the Hadith (traditions attributed to Muhammad), and is expressed regularly in many parts of PA society. .

Click on the following 5 links to see:

1 - Mothers who celebrate terrorist sons' deaths as weddings

Mother: "We do not encourage our sons to die. We encourage them to Shahada for the homeland, for Allah. We don't say to the mothers of the shahids, 'We have come to comfort you,' but 'We have come to bless you on the wedding of your son, on the Shahada of your son. Congratulations to you on the Shahada...' For us, the mourning is joyous. We give out drinks, we give out sweets. Praise to God - the mourning is a joyous occasion." [PA TV, November 17, 2004

2 - Woman says her planned suicide terror would have made her one of the Maidens who would marry a Martyr

Q. Had you succeeded in [your suicide] mission, what would have been your reward?
A. The reward was from Allah, in Paradise. The female Martyrdom-seeker becomes one of the Dark-Eyed Maidens, and she marries one of the Martyrs.
[IBA news, Oct. 2004]

3 - Suicide terrorists who anticipate the Maidens as reward in farewell videos

Terrorist: "Angels of mercy, escort our souls to Heaven after we fulfill this duty of crushing the descendents of monkeys and pigs. Dear father and mother, blessings of honor and respect to you, while you escort me to the Maidens of Paradise as a Martyr."

4 - Mother explaining that her son's motivation to terror was his inability to find a bride so he chose to be a Martyr to marry the Maidens of Paradise

Mother: "He would always dream of Shahada, it was his first and last goal in life. I told him, 'Dear, we all want to be shahids.' He said, 'In this entire world, I can't think of anyone to marry. I want to marry the Dark Eyed [Virgins or Maidens of Paradise].' I said [that] if these are his thoughts, I wish him Shahada."
[PA TV, January 21, 2003]

5 - PA religious leaders teach that the 72 Dark Eyed Virgins is reward of Martyr

"When the Shahid meets his Maker, all his sins are forgiven from the first gush of blood. He is exempted from the torments of the grave (Judgment); he sees his place in paradise, he is shielded from the great shock, and marries 72 Dark Eyed (Virgins)." [Dr. Ismail al-Radouan, PA TV, August 17, 2001]

The PA grants Shahid (Martyr) status to all those killed in conflict including suicide bombers and other terrorists.

The Jerusalem Post Op-Ed

How Fatah got religion and lost power

by Itamar Marcus and Barbara Crook- Sept. 13, 2006

God was left out when the Palestine Liberation Organization was founded in 1964. Its 1968 charter made no mention of Allah, nor did it cite the Koran. The PLO Charter is an Arab nationalistic document which defines the Palestinian goal as the destruction of Israel, thereby facilitating the unification of the Arab world.

God is everywhere, however, in the 1988 charter of Hamas. For the Islamists, whose government was elected by the Palestinians in January 2006, the ultimate goal is for Islam to rule the world. The Palestinian conflict with Israel, meanwhile, is carried out in the name of God - not Arab nationalism.

Welcome to the New Middle East.

But how did this radical change come about? How did 11 years of Fatah-PLO socialization wind up with the radical Islamists capturing the hearts and minds of Palestinian society?

To understand this transformation from secular nationalism to radical Islamic rule, let's start with Machiavelli. In The Prince he implored leaders to use religion for political purposes. Rulers should appear to be religious: "There is nothing more necessary to appear to have than this last quality [religion]."

FOR YEARS, the Fatah leadership of the Palestinian Authority actively followed this philosophy. They promoted religion and unwittingly paved the way for the current Hamas regime.

Both Yasser Arafat and Mahmoud Abbas routinely had the media give prominence to religious leaders. Many of them promoted religiously-based hatred and violence against Jews and Israel. Fatah leaders appeared on TV praying in the mosques even when the sermons delivered preached genocide. Islamic education was given prominence in the PA's school system.

Arafat, though himself secular, did not hesitate to call Palestine an Islamic trust or wakf. And the draft of the proposed Palestinian constitution recognized Islamic law.

Most significantly, the incessant promotion and glorification of jihad and shahada ("death for Allah"), intended to motivate suicide bombings gave prominence to Islam as the driving force in the battle against Israel.

FATAH'S RELIGIOUS pretense was so successful that it Islamicized its own people, especially Palestinian youth.

In a March 2005 poll, 70 percent of Palestinians preferred Islamic law, Shari'a, to the laws of the PA parliament. Less than a year later, in January 2006, Hamas completed its journey from a fringe movement to the Prime Minister's Office. The push by Arafat and Abbas to make religion a dominant motivation behind the war with Israel had been more "successful" than they could have anticipated.

In stark contrast to the PLO Charter, in Hamas's charter the name "Allah" appears a resounding 105 times; with 39 quotes from the Koran and the sayings and practices of Muhammad.

Every part of Hamas's ideology is presented as God's eternal truth. Indeed, those who drafted the document opened it with the words, "In the name of Allah the most Merciful," followed by verses from the Koran that focus on Islamic supremacy - fitting for a religious work, not a political document.

HAMAS IS an an acronym for Islamic Resistance Movement; the word "Palestine" is not even present in the movement's name. That's in contrast to the "Palestine Liberation Organization," whose focus is on the liberation of Palestine and not on God or Islam.

Fatah and Hamas both seek Israel's destruction - so from an Israeli perspective there is little practical difference between the two. But for Palestinians, the two movements represent completely divergent goals.

The PLO Charter saw the Palestinian state as temporary, leading to "Arab unity" [Article 11], while the Hamas Charter sees the destruction of Israel as leading to Islamic unity - and a time when muezzins will announce from Palestine's minarets the birth of the "State of Islam." [Article 9].

THIS TRANSITION from secular Arab leadership to radical Islamic leadership has significant implications. Under a Hamas government, peace and acceptance of Israel's right to exist will never be possible because Hamas sees the destruction of Israel and extermination of Jews as reflecting God's unchanging truths [Articles 7 and 3].

And whereas pronouncements made in Arabic by the Arafat-Abbas regimes, or a look at the school books they have produced, make it clear that Fatah never accepted Israel's right to exist, secular Palestinian nationalism always had an intrinsic potential for moderation.

It was also possible that a future charismatic secular leader might one day change direction and bring Palestinians to accept Israel.

But because of its divinely dictated ideology, however, acceptance of Israel is impossible for Hamas. The need for Israel's destruction is not the opinion of political leaders, as with Fatah, but God's immutable will.

Indeed, Hamas leaders insist that they do not have opinions of their own - they play the modest role of intermediary, informing society of God's plan, as explained in Article 12 of the Hamas charter.

Indicative of the new reality was how the Al Ayyam newspaper described the scene in March 2006, when the new Hamas-led parliament selected Ismail Haniyeh as the new premier: "After the vote, one of the Hamas MPs, Hamad Al-Bithouey, waved a Koran and called out loud: "Allahu akbar."

The Hamas legislators responded with calls: "The Koran is our constitution, Mohammed is our prophet, jihad is our path and dying as martyrs for Allah is our greatest wish."

The current efforts between Fatah and Hamas to form a new unity government do not reflect a closing of the ideological gap, but a desperate need for renewal of Western funding.

Whatever happens in the current efforts between Fatah and Hamas to form a coalition government, the fundamental ideological and theological shift in orientation described above is unlikely to change.

This article is based on the presentation Itamar Marcus made to the
Institute for Counter-Terrorism conference on "Terrorism's Global Impact."

 

PA unity government -
ploy for renewed funding

by Itamar Marcus and Barbara Crook- Sept. 12, 2006

1-Hamas:
   A- No recognition of Israel
   B- Continued right to use terror

2-Fatah: PLO recognition of Israel applies to Hamas

PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas PM Ismail Haniyeh announced an agreement last night to form a Palestinian unity government. However, the paradox of this arrangement is already clear. The motivation to form this government was to create a framework for the resumption of Western funding. But the new government does not meet the minimal conditions that the funding countries have demanded: Hamas' recognition of Israel and the cessation of terror.

Note that the opening sentence in the article announcing the agreement in the official PA daily includes the expression of hope for renewed funding. Renewed funding is seen not as a secondary benefit of the unity government, but as the driving force behind the agreement.

The Fatah seems to be hoping that Hamas statements that they do not recognize Israel and reserve the right to use terror will be ignored by the West. The Fatah argues that all Palestinian Authority governments, including the new coalition, are “the result of the PLO” and therefore bound by agreements the Palestine Liberation Organization has made in the past.

According to Fatah, the fact that past PLO agreements have professed to accept Western conditions means that Hamas has, in effect, accepted these conditions as well.

It is yet to be seen how the funding countries will respond.

The following are the Hamas and Fatah reactions from today's PA press:

HAMAS:

"Yesterday, President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh reached an agreement to form a national unity government, which raises hope among the citizens for the ending of the international isolation and resumption of aid...

Haniyeh said that the guidelines of any future political program will not hurt the legitimacy of the resistance [PA term for terror] while the Hamas movement said that it would not recognize Israel and that it had the right to continue the armed struggle against the Jewish state. This issue raises doubts whether the national unity government will fulfill the demands of the West for lifting the ban on aid to Palestinians… Hamas spokesman, Sami Abu Zuhari, told the French news agency, ‘There will be no recognition of the state of Israel by the movement. We want a Palestinian unity government based on Palestinian criteria and not foreign criteria.’”
[Al-Hayat Al-Jadida, Page 1, September 12, 2006]

FATAH:

"Spokesman for the Fatah movement, Mahir Miqdad...emphasized that the source of the authority for the Palestinian undertaking is the Palestine Liberation Organization ... and that the government or any Palestinian parliament are the result of the PLO and from the agreements that it [PLO] had made."
[Al-Quds, September 12, 2006]

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