Vladimir Putin has invited the leaders of Hamas to Russia to discuss the situation. Russia, he pointed out, has never considered Hamas a terrorist organization. Those of us with any knowledge of Russia and the Jews are wholly unsurprised at this. Russia gaveus the Pale of the Settlement (is that where the phrase “Beyond the pale” comes from? and that execrable hoax, The Protocols of the Elders of Zion, which was written in Russia for the explicit purpose of libeling Jews.
So. This is not a surprise at all, just as I am not surprised that anti-Semitism in Russia is up again. (Or should that be “still”?)
MADRID, Spain (AP) - Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday invited leaders of Hamas to Moscow, saying his country - unlike most of the West - does not see the Palestianian group as a terrorist organization.
Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh said in Gaza group members would be “delighted” to visit Russia if officially invited. Israel reacted coolly.
Hamas’ surprise Jan. 25 election victory sent shock waves around the world. The group’s founding manifesto calls for the destruction of Israel, and it has refused to move away from that position since the election.
Alexander Kalugin, Russia’s special envoy for the Middle East, said in Moscow that Russia would use the meeting to ask the militant group to recognize Israel’s right to exist. Putin, ending a two-day visit to Spain. urged the world not to turn its back on Hamas.
“Hamas came to power … as a result of democratic, legitimate elections and we must respect the choice of the Palestinian people,” he told a press conference. “We have to look for solutions for the Palestinian people, for the international community, and also for Israel.”
Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Mark Regev said a dialogue with Hamas can be established only if it abandons terrorism and recognizes Israel.
Although Hamas has claimed responsibility for violent attacks including suicide bombings in Israel, Putin refused to label it a terrorist organization.
“We have never considered Hamas a terrorist organization,” he said.
No, because Hamas hasn’t targeted Russians. Oh, wait. Actually, they kinda have. They just haven’t been found out yet.
As far as I’m concerned, Vladimir Putin is merely continuing Russia’s centuries-long habit of anti-Semitism. Again, unsurprised. I know someone with more information on Russian anti-Semitism, but it will be up to him to chime in. Write it. I’ll link.