Figuring out the Hamas puzzle

Re “How not to help Hamas,” editorial, Jan. 31

I question your claim that Palestinians receive more international aid, per capita, than any people in the world. Millions of Palestinians live in crowded refugee camps, and generously subsidized Zionists have been intentionally destroying Palestinian properties. Israel’s aggressive destruction of Palestinian property is made possible by many American donations, both private and public. U.S. military aid to Israel has been massive; why is that crucial point not factored in as aid?

True humanitarian aid to the Palestinians would include not just food but full emphasis on the importance of respecting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which calls for equality and freedom for all peoples.

ANNE SELDEN ANNAB

Mechanicsburg, Pa.

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If the Bush administration gives no financial aid to terrorist organizations, it should take a close look at the aid we now give to so-called friends that do give financial aid to Hamas. The administration should take whatever action it deems appropriate to either cut back or eliminate that aid to those countries. In addition, any so-called humanitarian aid needs to be strictly regulated to ensure that none falls into terrorist hands. Once we limit the money we give out, organizations such as Hamas will either speak out against their terrorist policies or fall by the wayside.

If we are ever going to defeat terrorism, we need to disregard what anyone else says about us and follow our own policies.

GENE GOODWEIN

Van Nuys

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Re “Voting isn’t democracy,” Opinion, Jan. 31

Eytan Gilboa’s distaste for Hamas’ ascent to power mirrors that of the Bush White House. Neither apparently understands that in a democracy, the people get to decide. We may wish the Palestinians had chosen a less activist group to represent them, but we cannot escape the fact that the Palestinians ran a fair, well-attended election and chose the leadership that made sense to them. It’s sad that all the administration can think to do is cut off all aid to the Palestinians in the forlorn hope that it will somehow calm the situation. Yet it’s hard to imagine that such an act will do anything other than harden their resolve.

Let’s go back to negotiating from our base of common interests and stop trying to bully the entire world when we don’t get our way. If President Bush persists in isolating the Palestinians, he will have destabilized the eastern Mediterranean region, and Israel will pay the price.

RICHARD WHITE

Costa Mesa

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Gilboa’s position regarding Mideast politics is astonishing: The U.S., he says, should’ve supported Israel’s call to ban Hamas from running in the election because “all political movements must embrace the basic principles of democracy and meet minimum conditions before they can participate in elections.” And, of course, who better to determine these “standards” than Israel? This type of thinking gave the Palestinians the corrupt Fatah leadership, and they sensibly voted that party out. As abhorrent as it may seem, give Hamas some time and see what it does in power.

GREG DANIELS

Canyon Country