Massive EU Aid to PA; US Omits Aid to Israel
First installment of massive European Union aid to the PA for 2011 is announced, while US delays previously-pledged hundreds of millions of dollars for Israeli defense.
European Union foreign affairs head Catherine Ashton announced on Wednesday an initial 100-million-euro ($131.3 million) aid package to the Palestinian Authority for 2011. Sixty million euros will enable the Palestinian Authority "to cover wages and pensions for essential civilian workers, particularly medical and teaching staff," Ashton said, and the remainder will be channeled through United Nations relief programs.
Viewed in isolation, this doesn't look bad at all. Given the facts however, we know that this money actually goes directly to Hamas, who launches missiles into Israeli civilian areas - almost on a daily basis, and is sworn to destroy Israel. Thats the catch on this ostensibly "good" effort.
There is more:
"This decision is a sign of the strong political and financial commitment of the European Union to the Palestinian Authority and to Prime Minister Salam Fayyad's leadership in building a democratic and viable Palestinian state," Ashton said, taking clear sides in the ongoing debate as to whether a Palestinian state is desirable for a peaceful settlement in the Middle East. “Palestinian statehood is critical for any peaceful, workable and lasting solution to the conflict."
The only problem with that line of thinking is the fact that despite billions of dollars and euros poured into Gaza, it has only led to more arms for Hamas and more missiles into Israel. We aren't any closer to peace in the region than we were three decades ago.
The latest aid will be added to 696 million euros already given by the EU to the PA, as well as another 265 million from individual EU member states.
Now comes the worst part:
At the same time, a special three-month budget for the United Stateshas been prepared – but is lacking promised funds for Israeli defense that U.S. President Barack Obama earlier pledged.
Specifically, a promised $205 million for Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense project has not been allocated.
Similarly missing are increased allocations for other missile defense programs that the House of Representatives approved several months ago.
Sometimes the beauty of the Bible is found in its simplicity and clarity:
According to God Himself - when it comes to Israel:
"I will bless those who bless you
and whoever curses you I will curse" (Genesis 12:3).
So we are funding those who are intent in destroying Israel and we are refusing to help fund a project intending to protect innocent Israeli citizens.
Connect the dots.
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