ELECTION PANEL

On Wednesday afternoon I attended a panel discussion examining the recent Palestinain elections. Four panelists, two Israelis and two Palestinians, shared their thoughts about the immediate future. There were varying degrees of optimism and pessimism about the ability of Hamas to form a government.

At worst, it is thought that any new Hamas government will crumble into chaos and that Israel will move in with even greater security and further restrictions. At best, it is hoped that the Hamas party will seek to form a national unity government, a coalition of parties, and govern the Palestinian areas. This seems an unlikely outcome as the outgoing Fatah party will have no interest in propping up their rivals.

Most hope that the western world will encourage Hamas to govern and to re-think its policies. An analysis of voting statistics indicates no mandate for the traditional Hamas platform of violence or terrorism, nor the eradication of the state of Israel. The statistics seem to indicate the desire for change among the people and is an expression of the frustration with the lack of progress toward a Palestinian State and a better life for the Palestinian people.

Understandably, many Israelis are fearful that a wider spread Palestinian rebellion will mean greater danger for themselves and their families. Who can blame them for wanting security? Therefore, many want the Israeli government to hasten the completion of the separation barrier and increase security. The problem with this unilateral solution is that there is no one but Israel determining Israel's borders, and no one determining security other than the IDF.

Meanwhile, life is relatively normal and quiet. There are a few demonstrations taking place here and there, but they are relatively modest in nature.