LAMENTABLE DECISION

by RAY FLEMING
THE lamentable decision of the European Union and the United States to halt financial aid to the new government of the Palestinian Authority will have a long and probably disastrous effect on relations beween the West and the Arab world. Whatever gloss is put on the decision by talk of chanelling aid to the Palestinian people through the United Nations and non-governmental organisations, the stark fact remains that the nations which have kept the Palestinians economically afloat for the past decade have now abandoned them at a time that they most needed help. Neither the UN nor the humanitarian agencies have the infrastructure in place to handle the task that has been thrust on them and widespread dislocation in the everyday lives of Palestinians is to be expected. The most shameful thing, of course, is that the Palestinian people are being punished for their enthusiastic response to Mr Bush's and Mr Blair's proselytizing talk about the need to establish democracy in the Middle East. The Palestinians did just that, held a free and fair election, and now are being rewarded with indifference and cruelty.
Other nations being cajoled to introduce the ballot box will note this outcome with interest. The West wants the spread of democracy, but only if it produces results it likes. It is hypocrisy of the worst possible kind and we will all pay for it in time. But the Palestinians will pay first.