Januray 02, 2008... The parallels are clear enough.

In a lengthy and well considered BICOM article the parallels which do not apply to an analysis of Hamas and Sinn Fein in respect of a middle east peace process are discussed, from the political and religious perspectives. However, the parallels which do apply are sufficiently clear cut in that both Sinn Fein and Hamas are ardently backed by external sponsors at both state level and/or elements within states. Hamas represents radical-Islam. Sinn Fein represents marxist-socialism. Both are the sworn enemies of freedom.

It is thought that Sinn Fein and their republican paramilitary associates have been ground down over time. But this is only true in so much as the current Sinn Fein leadership is getting too long in the tooth to not reap some personal reward for decades of committed murder and destruction of property. Recruitment to republican paramilitaries is continuing unabated, and gaining experience in other theatres of terror. Colombia, for example, with MLA advocates ensconced at Stormont.

Under sufficient external duress, Hamas--like Sinn Fein and Co--may tactically transform their declared strategy of wiping out Israel for the sake of enabling a peace process to be declared successful by the EU and others. But to let this happen would be utter folly. It would simply embolden radical-Islam to conclude that victory is possible in the face of inaction and cowardice.

Hamas must be militarily destroyed. Doing so would draw a definite and unambiguous line in the sand, and a clear message to Sinn Fein and their associates would be delivered. Assistance from Fatah in this endeavour--since they are also in Hamas's determined line of fire--would be nice. But this is unlikely. Fatah members are busy killing off-duty IDF personnel in Hebron.