Dough to blow?

Tuesday 3 March 2009

Dough to blow?

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By Kalash

Another summit in Sharm El Sheikh... and although the focus was reconstructing Gaza, Hamas was not invited. Those present included the United States, Japan, France, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. Staying true, they talked a lot and made many promises. Egypt's Foreign Minister tried hard to inflate the $4.48 billion in pledges reported in the media. The whole charade was declared a success, with most news outlets dutifully reminding their audiences that the Palestinian Authority - which has no real authority in Gaza - had been seeking less than $3 billion. Everyone patted themselves on the back for a job well done...

Of course, things could have been better. In October, Western donors pledged $4.55 billion to rebuild Georgia after its war with Russia. Back then, the US coughed up $1 billion dollars. This time around they weren't as generous (and there is already dissent). Out of the $900 million pledged by the US, only $300 million will be invested in Gaza; the rest will help support the worthless PA. Similar stipulations apply to the EU pledges. Looking on the bright side, Arab states also threw in their support!! Saudi Arabia made the biggest pledge of $1 billion. Even Lebanon pledged $1 million it doesn't have.

At least 40% of the total funds ($5.2 billion) will be earmarked for 'administrative' purposes. A significant sum will go to the PA, and the rest will be invested in a number of projects overseen by the respective donor state(s). While little to no cash is being directed at any Palestinians, the amount pledged could potentially go a long way.

But talk is cheap. The key word here is pledge. No matter how much is promised, it makes no difference when Israel keeps things on lock down. It makes no difference so long as Hamas does not have a place at the negotiating table. Even if meaningful reconstruction projects do get underway, there is nothing to stop things from falling apart all over again.

There are more significant measures that should have been taken if those attending the Sharm El Sheikh summit really wanted to help the people of Gaza. They could have agreed to exert the political pressure necessary to force Israeli authorities to end the siege. They could have agreed to work together to restore a sense of purpose to the stalled Arab-Israeli peace process, and they could have 'pledged' to find a way to include Hamas in future negotiations.

Sadly for the people of Gaza, it's easier for the most powerful nations on earth to make empty promises than it is for them to actually help. The bombs have stopped raining for the time being, but the inhumane blockade continues. It could be years before the pledging nations are actually forced to make good on their promises... many will probably never pay up.

Meanwhile, Israel is continuing to expand its web of occupation in the West Bank - it has plans for no less than 73,00 new settlements. The situation looks as hopeless as ever. Washington has always been the one with the most cards to play, but as the top ranking US diplomat made clear in Egypt, nothing has changed on this end.