Unenforced

The "Palestinian" Authority is declining to disarm terrorists.

Palestinian foreign minister Nasser al-Qidwa Saturday ruled out disarming militant groups as long as Israel continues to occupy Palestinian land.

"It is inconceivable to disarm factions at this time because armament is legal as long as the occupation continues," he told Palestinian public television.

"Keeping our weapons is a strategic option," Qidwa said, adding these weapons "must not undermine internal security," in a reference to confrontations between Palestinians.

So basically, this quote implies that these terrorist groups aren't being disarmed so that they can be used as some sort of "Palestinian" militia. A "strategic option"? You've gotta be kidding me!

Now, I can acknowledge that it's easier said than done for the "Palestinian" security forces to round up the terrorists and confiscate their gear. The terrorists have, in many cases, better gear than the "Palestinian" security guys. Even so, this sort of statement, from one of Mahmoud Abbas' own men, shows me that the "Palestinian" Authority isn't absolutely committed to a peaceful resolution.

Could this statement be a mere political statement to give provide a rationale for not doing something that they can't accomplish in the first place? Maybe. It's still rubbish, and President Bush should call President Abbas on it immediately.

More on this later, if I'm not lazy and forgetful. We all know how that goes.