Hamas--Proof That Democracies Really Do Attack Other Democracies?

From Andy McCarthy at The Corner in response to Israel's operation today:

We are lectured a great deal about the importance of democratizing the Middle East as, somehow, a strategy to defeat terrorism. I do not want to reargue this issue or make too much (again) of the fact that popular elections have thus far succeeded in empowering terrorists.

My question for the moment is this: Does this democratization ever entail any responsibility? The Palestinian "civilians" were given a choice in 2006, and they chose to elect Hamas — a choice that was overwhelming in Gaza, where the terror organization — having ousted the more "moderate" terror-mongers from Fatah — now rules. If the civilians, eyes wide open, opt to be led by a terrorist organization whose chief calling card is its pledge to destroy Israel (a sentiment shared by a large majority of the "civilian" population), how upset are we supposed to get when the said civilians get caught in the cross-fire that is provoked by the savages they elected?

Those who like to remind us that Hamas gained power in Gaza though democratic elections conveniently forget that Hamas has no interest in Democracy and the democratic process.

In the meantime we can expect--and in some cases have already seen:

• Palestinian leaders claiming that Israel's response is disproportionate
• Decry the death of Palestinian civilians killed in the areas where terrorists were operating
• Condemnation from various European countries
  
• Condemnation from the UN
• The US vetoing resolutions that blame Israel but do not mention the provocation
• Continued attacks on Ashkelon

The question will be whether Israel (read: Olmert) has the stomach to send a clear message to Hamas by continuing to respond militarily to Hamas.

Technorati Tag: Israel.