Despite the US rejection, and the European and Israeli pre-conditions to
the planned formation of the Palestinian National Unity Government, the
formation of such a government remains an international demand, which
can be described as a double-edged sword.
On one hand, it is good that more than one party forms the government. This will enhance the performance of this government and probably provides some kind of transparency and accountability.
Having a Hamas-only government will not be any good than having a Fatah-only government, which proven to be a failure.
On the other hand, the formation of such a government under the pressure of the economic sanctions imposed on the Palestinian people poses a serious danger to the future of democracy in Palestine.
The Palestinian people have chosen Hamas in the elections held in January of 2006, which was one of the freest and most democratic processes in the Middle East.
Apparently, electing Hamas was against the Israeli and American wish. Therefore, the sanctions were imposed, which resulted in the failure of the Hamas government to pay the state employees for some six months.
Israel also seized money due to the Palestinian Authority of the Tax revenue accumulated more than $400 million dollars, which could have paid a big portion of the over due salaries.
Besides, Israel detained many of the 74 Hamas representatives in the Palestinian Legislative Council and nine cabinet Ministers who reside in the West Bank including spokesperson of the parliament. They form almost 30 percent of the Palestinian legislature which could have created a constitutional void.
This pressure which resulted from the very difficult financial situation in the Palestinian areas which resulted from the Israeli attacks, and the economic sanctions, will make the Palestinian voters think before they cast their votes in the next elections.
Palestinians now have to check if the one they will vote for is approved by Israel and the United States, before they go to the vote, to ensure that they continue to receive their paychecks.
Apparently, this will be one of the features of the New Middle East.
