BBC reports: "Hamas must be in peace process"

'A former British intelligence officer who played a leading role in organising ceasefires by militant Palestinian groups is warning that there can be no lasting peace in the region until [Hamas] are included in the process.'

That's funny. I thought they already were included. In fact, I'd call them the most active and involved. They just a have a different view on how to achieve peace.

Listen to why the BBC thinks this man has a right to an opinion on this subject.
Quote: 'Alastair Crooke's views will be seen as controversial because of the numerous suicide bombings and attacks on the Israeli Army carried out by groups like Hamas and Islamic Jihad.

But Mr Crooke, who spent six years in the Middle East as security adviser to the EU High Representative Javier Solana, continues to take a close interest in the region and his views cannot be easily dismissed.

He is the only British official to have established long-term contacts with leaders of the intifada. And as an intermediary between the Israelis and Palestinians, he was trusted by both sides.'

He was a security adviser to Solana. Which is synonimous with Arafat.
And he is trusted by 'both sides'. Which sides would that be? Hamas and Peres?

Quote: 'He facilitated a unilateral ceasefire by Palestinian groups in June last year and also helped end armed confrontations at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem and Yasser Arafat's compound in Ramallah.'

The BBC lies. THERE NEVER WAS A CEASEFIRE, let alone a unilateral one. It was called a 'Hudna', which is nothing more than a breathing pause in combat, to regroup and gather strength.

But fortunately 'Mr Crooke acknowledges that the violence perpetrated by Hamas and other groups has damaged their standing in Europe and America.'

He does acknowledge that. Their standing in Europe and America.
Well let me reassure him: Nothing could damage hamas' standing in Europe, they've sanctified over here. And as for America, well they still seem to know who's who.

Lastly he says: 'Many of the groups that represent the other views and are campaigning for elections for reforms are being isolated and marginalised and removed from the political equation.
This could lead to a very dangerous situation in the region as a whole.'

'This could lead to a very dangerous situation in the region as a whole.'
Really? I mean, what could happen? They could start blowing people up? Start murdering pregnant women and their children? Nothing THAT crazy right?

Both the BBC and Crooke (the name alone...) are sickening. Read it here, but make sure your stomach is empty.
Anyway, to quote Harry Calahan: "Opinions are like assholes. Everybody's got one."