Sharon threatens to disrupt Palestinian vote

[Violet_Crumble]

Israel could hinder voting in the occupied West Bank during a Palestinian legislative election in January if Hamas candidates take part, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said in remarks published on Saturday.

"We will make every effort not to help (the Palestinians). I don't think they can have elections without our help," Sharon was quoted by The New York Times as telling journalists at a meeting in New York.

Sharon said Israel might not remove roadblocks in the West Bank, making it difficult for Palestinians there to vote, if Hamas, which calls for the destruction of the Jewish state, runs in the January 25 ballot, the newspaper reported.

Hamas is widely expected to do well at the ballot box at the expense of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' mainstream Fatah faction. Abbas hopes to move Hamas into the political mainstream and away from confrontation with Israel.

Sharon's threats have caused deep concern within the Palestinian Authority, which is eager to demonstrate that it was committed to democracy on the road to statehood.

http://www.theage.com.au/news/middle-east-crisis/sharon-threatens-to-disrupt-palestinian-vote/2005/09/17/1126750169297.html

[Why Syzygy]

1. Ah, the smell of democracy.

Freedom on the march again.

[Team44Car]

2. I want to buy Sharon a ticket to England

I think he needs a nice long vacation.

[BayCityProgressive]

3. I understand his fear of Hamas

But does he not understand that by opressing them he only makes them stronger? What an idiot.