THE NEW YORK TIMES' "CULPRITS"

THE NEW YORK TIMES "CULPRITS" (HONESTREPORTING)

Several U.S. newspapers have reacted to Israeli PM Ehud Olmert's U.S. visit by criticizing his plan to take unilateral steps to draw Israel's borders if Hamas does not reject terror and recognize Israel's right to exist. While the New York Times is entitled to its editorial opinion of this plan, we take issue with the newspaper's belief that all three parties are equal participants in a situation which is leading to unilateral Israeli moves rather than a negotiated peace agreement.

In a shocking display of moral equivalence, the New York Times ("A Viable Palestinian State") labels the Hamas terrorist organization, the Israeli government, and United States President George Bush "two culprits and an enabler." Yet, Olmert has clearly indicated that negotiations are by far the preferred solution. In his address to the U.S. Congress, he said:

"I extend my hand in peace to Mahmoud Abbas, elected President of the Palestinian Authority. On behalf of the State of Israel, we are willing to negotiate with a Palestinian Authority. This authority must renounce terrorism, dismantle the terrorist infrastructure, accept previous agreements and commitments, and recognize the right of Israel to exist...
Our deepest wish is to build a better future for our region, hand in hand with a Palestinian partner."

On the other hand, Hamas completely rejects the notion of talks with Israel. In its charter, Hamas calls for the destruction of Israel and the creation of a Palestinian state, not just in the West Bank and Gaza, but covering the entire area of British-Mandate Palestine, stretching from the Mediterranean Sea to the Jordan River. "The land of Palestine is an Islamic endowment for Muslim generations until the Day of Judgment," says the Hamas charter. "It is prohibited to abandon it, or to concede any part of it. ... No Arab state, or all Arab states, or all the kings and presidents combined have that right."

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