The prisoner exchange between Hamas and the Likud-led government of Israel is one of the more curious developments in the recent history of the conflict. It shows the two extremes working together in a surprisingly normal and constructive sense. Netanyahu and Likud will be boosted politically by the release of Gilad Shalit; Hamas will be empowered by the release of more than a thousand Palestinian prisoners.
This apparent win-win result was brought about very differently than in the past. Previously, the unholy symbiotic relationship between the Palestinian and Israeli right wings has been characterized by sessions of escalating violence. Now both sides are behaving as rational and responsible agents. Go Figure.
Nonetheless, it’s hard not to overstate and understate the significance of this. Yes, this is evidence that Hamas and a right-wing Israeli government can negotiate and reach an agreement. And Hamas and Israel have agreed before about various cease-fires in Gaza and other prisoner releases.
But an agreement between these two parties about an issue that looms so large in the Israeli narrative is a refreshing novelty.
Which is not to say that I expect further cooperation between these parties. In fact I expect the opposite. But it is proof of what political actors can accomplish when there is a political will.
Perhaps if President Obama and his foreign policy team were capable of some creative diplomacy that would result in both sides seeing a continuing political advantage to further negotiations then maybe things can change. But I wouldn’t hold my breath.
we have been told endlessly that right wing israelis are terrorists and you can’t negotiate with terrorists, lol……….. i thought obama outlawed negotiating with terrorists?
Another added dynamic here at play is the obstructive role of Fatah.
I have long believed that Fatah does not act on behalf of the Palestinian people, but rather on behalf of Fatah. In other words, authority of governance and legitimacy in the international community seems a priority of Fatah’s over actually working to gain rights, equality, and freedom for the Palestinian people.
The ‘Palestine Papers’ released by Al Jazeera this past January demonstrates the depths of Fatah’s cooperation with the Israeli government on a number of issues that contravened the interests of Palestinians, and frequently undermined Hamas. For example, in 2008, Fatah objected (privately to Israel) to a proposed prisoner swap that would have freed thousands of Palestinians. Why? Because it would have been a Hamas victory, and thus would have been a loss for Fatah. The Palestinian people (especially those languishing in Israeli prisons) did not figure into Abu Mazen’s rationale.
I apologize for the self-promotion, but I wrote on this yesterday if anyone is interested: http://criticalnews.org/2011/10/13/gilad-shalit-over-a-thousand-palestinians-released-in-prisoner-swap/
Excellent point Phil, and well said. Israel and hamas have displayed their ability to work together and garner results. They have shown the world that it is in fact possible for the two sides to come together constructively, despite American and Israeli rhetoric to the contrary. But like you said, I doubt it will happen again anytime soon
I mean Scott, not phil. My bad lol
I am very intrigued and enthused by this deal and what it might auger.