Samvaad: A Conversation
Speak Your Voice! We'd love to hear your thoughts. Click on the "Comments" link at the end of each posting to make your voice heard!
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Hamas's victory in Palestine : A systems perspective
The Palestinian election results have surprised everyone, including its victors, Hamas. Beyond the context of the Middle East/West Asia politics there are lessons to be duly noted.
The results show that incumbent progressive forces are widely incompetent and complacent. Fatah is the latest casualty. The recently concluded Canadian elections and a little before that the German elections too are evidence of this phenomenon. Of course, unlike the United States where incumbency has a stranglehold on democracy, most democracies are not kind to incumbents. But in the recent past we have seen popular progressive movements faltering when their activism is required to transform into governance. Such results push back the progressive movement and allow radical ideas to fill in the void.
South America is tilting left and it will be very interesting to see if the populism that has fueled this shift is converted to accountable governance. Progressives must hold their own leaders to the same standards as they have their political opponents. Transparency must become a core value of all progressive movements. We have already seen this principle harmed in Brazil and Venezuela. The insistence on justice should not be limited to big issues but it must permeate all workings of our governments. In this context the people's right to information must be integral to all civil society and progressive political efforts.
Hamas has a chance to shed its radicalism for a more conciliatory approach towards peace. Both the Palestinians and the Israelis have immensely suffered over the last 58 years. Israel may not be able to easily forget attacks on civilians just like the Palestinians won't be able to easily forget atrocities committed against them. But they have no other choice. Reconciliation is not hoped for but is now demanded by history. Both sides have dug their heels on the matter of justice. What is a just solution? Who has the objectivity to adjudicate this conflict? No one. But there is a starting point - forgiveness. Both parties need to move towards conflict transformation. Only then can they move towards conflict resolution. With Hamas laying down its weapons this process will get a much needed push. The world will greatly welcome this move and give all the support it needs to win the peace. Hamas must seize this opportunity. It has to. If it does then Israel should break down all other barriers for peace. It's time to be statesmen.
Peace.
Rohit.
The results show that incumbent progressive forces are widely incompetent and complacent. Fatah is the latest casualty. The recently concluded Canadian elections and a little before that the German elections too are evidence of this phenomenon. Of course, unlike the United States where incumbency has a stranglehold on democracy, most democracies are not kind to incumbents. But in the recent past we have seen popular progressive movements faltering when their activism is required to transform into governance. Such results push back the progressive movement and allow radical ideas to fill in the void.
South America is tilting left and it will be very interesting to see if the populism that has fueled this shift is converted to accountable governance. Progressives must hold their own leaders to the same standards as they have their political opponents. Transparency must become a core value of all progressive movements. We have already seen this principle harmed in Brazil and Venezuela. The insistence on justice should not be limited to big issues but it must permeate all workings of our governments. In this context the people's right to information must be integral to all civil society and progressive political efforts.
Hamas has a chance to shed its radicalism for a more conciliatory approach towards peace. Both the Palestinians and the Israelis have immensely suffered over the last 58 years. Israel may not be able to easily forget attacks on civilians just like the Palestinians won't be able to easily forget atrocities committed against them. But they have no other choice. Reconciliation is not hoped for but is now demanded by history. Both sides have dug their heels on the matter of justice. What is a just solution? Who has the objectivity to adjudicate this conflict? No one. But there is a starting point - forgiveness. Both parties need to move towards conflict transformation. Only then can they move towards conflict resolution. With Hamas laying down its weapons this process will get a much needed push. The world will greatly welcome this move and give all the support it needs to win the peace. Hamas must seize this opportunity. It has to. If it does then Israel should break down all other barriers for peace. It's time to be statesmen.
Peace.
Rohit.
Archives
April 2004 May 2004 June 2004 July 2004 August 2004 September 2004 October 2004 November 2004 December 2004 January 2005 March 2005 June 2005 July 2005 August 2005 September 2005 October 2005 November 2005 January 2006 March 2006 April 2006 June 2006 September 2006 January 2007 March 2007 May 2007 August 2007 October 2007 November 2008 December 2008
