Brian Michael Jenkins
Peace is a prerequisite to the ambitious economic development plans that could transform Gaza. Securing that peace, however, requires addressing the future role of Hamas's fighters.
In a recent RAND essay on the challenges of implementing Phase II of the Gaza Peace Plan, I warned that while demobilizing Hamas was desirable, it could create new dangers. Could Hamas veterans instead be paid and trained to return to their roots as a spiritual and social movement to perform tasks that contribute to reconstruction?
This drew comments from readers who doubted that Hamas could make such a transformation. Their skepticism is understandable—I share it. In the current circumstances, all of the options have major drawbacks, although some might be worth further exploration as negotiations proceed or come to an impasse.
No comments:
Post a Comment