Cut in Aid for Palestinian Authority

Once again, we see the double standards of the west's supposed support of democracy. As a result of the election of Hamas in Palestine, both the US and Europe have cut aid to the Palestinian Authority. And we wonder why muslims across the world have a problem with us in the West. We proclaim the greatness of democracy, before undermining it by punishing the people if they vote for someone we do not approve of. We cannot have democracy without accepting the consequences of any free vote. Hamas won, we have to engage with them, not punish the electorate. There will never be peace unless we are prepared to engage with Hamas, whatever our views on their beliefs. Furthermore, funding Israel's military might while reducing funding for the Palestinians, will only exacerbate the deep-rooted problems that need to be faced before the situation can be resolved to everyone's satisfaction.