Love letters to Hamas, Hizbullah

Senior Hamas and Hizbullah members both received official letters from the U.S administration and British government, two United Arab Emirates’ newspapers reported Saturday. According to the al-Bayan newspaper, the U.S. sent the Islamic terrorist groups a letter, expressing its respect for the organizations’ broad popular support – support that is expected to only grow with the upcoming elections in Lebanon and in the Palestinian Authority. The newspaper also reported the administration has invited the Islamic organizations’ leaders to a meeting with senior U.S. officials at a still-undecided location. According to sources quoted in the newspaper, the Americans have even demonstrated their willingness to cooperate with the organizations, should they develop into political parties following the elections. Britain changes direction too Furthermore, the al-Halij newspaper reported that Britain has considered changing its foreign policy regarding the Middle East and may agree to direct dialogue with Hamas and Hizbullah for the very first time. The newspaper reports that this move is based on the assumption the organizations will strengthen their political positions after elections next week in Lebanon and on July 17 in the PA. A British Foreign Ministry spokesman refused to confirm the newspaper’s report but said that Britain’s current foreign policy is aimed at contact with Hamas field commanders “not connected to terror.” The spokesman said that the motive for such controversial contacts was to “strengthen the Palestinian Authority.” However, the spokesman said his government’s ties to Hizbullah were severed years ago, as its military wing has been included in the list of terror organizations since 2001. The British newspaper The Guardian reported that London is re-thinking its policies regarding the Middle East. The man behind the change is former intelligence officer Alistair Crook, who in the past had made contact with Hamas on behalf of the European Union.

Love letters to Hamas, Hizbullah

Senior Hamas and Hizbullah members receive letters from American and British governments, report two United Arab Emirates’ newspapers