Obama to Be Guarded By Terrorists While in Ramallah

Forget the lame German kvetching about the "problematic symbolism" of Obama's upcoming speech at the Victory Column. That's nothing but an invented controversy. This is a symbolic blunder worthy of our concern and objection.

According to security officials coordinating deployments of forces with the PA for Obama's Ramallah visit, members of the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, Fatah's declared military wing, have been called upon by the PA to participate in the protection of Obama, particularly in securing the perimeter during a scheduled meeting with PA President Mahmoud Abbas.

The Brigades is listed as a terror organization by the U.S. State Department. The group took credit along with the Islamic Jihad terror organization for every suicide bombing in Israel between 2005 and 2006 and is responsible for thousands of shootings and rocket firings. Statistically, the Al Aqsa Brigades perpetuated more terrorism from the West Bank than Hamas, according to the Israeli Defense Forces.

Brigades leaders, speaking to WND on condition of anonymity, confirmed they will participate in protecting Obama as official members of the PA's security forces.

You do not overcome evil by arranging for it to guard you while you have a nice little chat with its master. If Obama had any stones at all, he'd cancel the trip to Ramallah unless terrorists are excluded from the security arrangements. Of course, if he excluded the terrorists in the PA, there'd be no one left to guard him. In fact, there'd be no one left to meet with. Which leads to the question: why the hell is Obama giving these thugs a hearing at all?

The article says that this has happened on previous visits of U.S. officials. That may explain why no one seems to be making a big deal out of this. I suppose if we absolutely must have a diplomatic relationship with a leader who boasts of funding terrorism, there's nothing to do but give Abbas a pass. Indeed, both John McCain and President Bush have talked to him. And if we've got to talk to Abbas, well, we wouldn't want to antagonize him by asking him to have his terrorist buddies take the day off, now would we?

Update: Well, maybe we should be cautious about this WND story until there's some confirmation from other sources. The reporter, Aaron Klein, has a particular dislike for Obama, about whom he has written several gotcha! pieces, and has been involved in some shady activities in the past.

posted by Gabriel Malor at 12:28 AM

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