Obama Administration shows some Palestinian Love

Hillary Clinton has made an unusually stern statement concerning the growth of Israeli settlements in Palestinian territory. Benjamin Netanyahu has said this is natural expansion and will continue as long as Israel continues to grow in population. The Obama administration has taken a stance in opposition to this expansion, one that is likely to be well received by the Palestinians. This comes in contrast the Bush Administration's policy of ignorance on Israeli expansion. This is also the first time in decades the US has made public a significant disagreement with Israel.

Hamas Shows its Global Reach

Two of the founders of the charity "Holy Land Foundation" have been imprisoned after being found guilty of sending funds to the terrorist organization Hamas. Hamas controls the Gaza Strip in the Palestinian territory. The defendants claimed none of the money they send to Hamas was for violence; rather the money was for social programs which Hamas has developed. The jury ruled the two guilty of supporting a terrorist organization; there was no way to tell if the money was used on social programs or diverted to militant causes.