Hamas Victory

President Bush should seize upon the Hamas victory to stake out a bold new US position in the Middle East. Yesterday's New York Times reported that Israel's acting prime minister is willing to give up "parts" of the West Bank but intends to retain the West Bank Jewish settlement blocs and all of Jerusalem. No wonder the Palestinians voted for Hamas. The end point destination of the "Road Map" is very clear and very unfair. (See blog entry "The Road Map" 1/13/06.) Instead, President Bush should back the Saudi Peace Plan, a solution accepted even by a Hamas spokesperson. (See blog entry "The Saudi Peace Plan" 1/11/06.) When the UN partitioned Palestine in 1947, 53% was allocated to Israel with Jerusalem an international city. (See blog entry "Palestine Part 1" 1/9/06.) The Saudi Plan allocates 78% to Israel with Jerusalem a divided city. This is more than Israel's fair share yet the plan was accepted by Palestinians and the Arab League. Since it is in the US interest to end Middle East violence, we must go on record as supporting a just solution. As the Arab and Muslim worlds well know, we are the only country in a position to bring about peace.