White House runners reject Carter-Hamas meeting

[maddezmom]

Source: AFP

WASHINGTON (AFP) - Former president Jimmy Carter's plans to meet Hamas leaders have drawn short shrift from his fellow Democrats on the White House campaign trail, anxious to display their support for Israel.

Presidential candidates Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton both called Hamas a "terrorist organization" that should remain ostracized until it renounces violence and recognizes Israel.

Unless that happens, Obama told reporters Friday, "I don't think conversations with them would be fruitful."

But the Illinois senator also refused to condemn Carter's potential meeting in Syria with Hamas exiled leader Khaled Meshaal, arguing it was not up to him to dictate the former president's plans.



Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080414/pl_afp/usvotemideastcarterhamas_080414150121

[nichomachus]

1. Everyone is petrified Carter will be successful and show them up n/t

[asjr]

2. Why is it when someone wants to

talk peace he or she gets trashed? It would be so nice if some grownups take over this country.

[bemildred]

3. "I forgive them all and I understand their motivations," -- Jimmy Carter nt

[jakefrep]

4. Yes, heaven forbid they offend the "Israel's shit doesn't stink" crowd.

Good grief.

[humbled_opinion]

5. Sure lets talk...

Hamas what do you want.... "We want an end to Israel" We want our land back.

Israel will you oblige "No"

Hamas will you vow never to use suicide bombers and kaytusha rockets on the Israeli's anymore "no"

Isreael will you vow never to drop bombs or attack Hamas terrorists in Palestine terratories anymore "No"

Hamas what is your goal "The extermination of the Jewish state"

Isreal what is your goal "We want to live Free in our land"

So simple and yet so complex... There can never be a solution when it is an existential choice.

[maddezmom]

6. Obama criticizes ex-President Carter's Hamas meeting

Obama criticizes ex-President Carter's Hamas meeting 16 Apr 2008 17:36:39 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Ellen Wulfhorst

PHILADELPHIA, April 16 (Reuters) - Democratic White House hopeful Barack Obama on Wednesday disagreed with former President Jimmy Carter's overtures toward Hamas, saying he would not talk to the Islamist group until it recognized Israel and renounced terrorism.

The Illinois senator, campaigning in Pennsylvania which holds the next presidential voting contest on Tuesday, told a group of Jewish leaders he has an "unshakable commitment" to help protect Israel from its "bitter enemies."

"That's why I have a fundamental difference with President Carter and disagree with his decision to meet with Hamas," Obama said. "We must not negotiate with a terrorist group intent on Israel's destruction. We should only sit down with Hamas if they renounce terrorism, recognize Israel's right to exist and abide by past agreements."

"Hamas is not a state. Hamas is a terrorist organization," he said.

more:http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N16369480.htm