– Former terrorist turned political party leader meets Hamas leadership in Gaza
– United States/United Kingdom informed of meetings beforehand
– Event is a likely push to create a mediating partner between Hamas and the international community
Gerry Adams, leader of Sinn Fein and key contributor to the Northern Ireland Peace Process, met with Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh on Wednesday and Thursday, April 1-2, 2009. This meeting followed discussions between Mr. Adams and the United State’s special Mideast envoy George Mitchell in March, and was facilitated, in part, by Quartet envoy Tony Blair. Meetings between a terrorist turned politician , with the acknowledgement and support of the international community, may represent a renewed effort to bring Hamas to the bargaining table, as a viable peace partner, in the long-term.
Gaza Get Together
The leader of the Irish Republican Army-linked Sinn Fein Party, Gerry Adams, travelled to Gaza on April 1-2, 2009 to hold meetings with key Hamas leaders. These talks included a sit-down with Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh. After the meeting Mr. Adams declared, “Mr. Haniyeh told me that Hamas wants a peace agreement.” He also noted that “We want to help. We support the Palestinian people.” These quotes demonstrate the desire of Mr. Adams to be accepted by the rulers of Gaza as a trustworthy partner and facilitator of discussions with the outside world.
The international community has so far rejected direct discussions with Hamas until the group renounces violence, recognizes Israel, and accepts previous agreements between Israel and the Palestinian Authority – actions Hamas has refused to undertake. Sinn Fein holds an unparalleled position in the international community. Like Hamas, Sinn Fein was labeled a terrorist organization because of the violent tactics it used to attack Britain. Now, as a legitimate political organization that can trace it roots to a terrorist movement, Sinn Fein’s Mr. Adams is willing to use his good offices to speak to people he understands. Mr. Haniyeh commented that Mr. Adams is “a man of rich political experience who faced circumstances in Ireland similar to what we face in Gaza.”
International Approval
Former United States Senator, and current Mideast envoy, George Mitchell, talked with Mr. Adams in Washington in March about his trip to Gaza. Mr. Adams even received technical support for the visit from former British Prime Minister, and current Quartet envoy, Tony Blair. Mr. Blair convinced Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak to allow Mr. Adams to travel to Gaza through an Israeli checkpoint.
Israel, the United States, and the European Union will continue to reject direct talks with Hamas until the organization willingly accepts international criteria. Despite this rejection, all parties involved recognize that Hamas is, legitimately or not, in political control of Gaza and will need to be afforded a place at any negotiating table for the Middle East Peace Process to be successful. Therefore, the appearance of Mr. Adams on the scene offers an opening to avoid direct conversations with Hamas while creating an open channel for communications to bring the parties closer to a negotiated settlement.
Outlook
Mr. Adams will likely continue to serve as an intermediary between the international community and a non-recognized Hamas in the near to medium-term. During this time, he will be in a precarious position, having earned and striving to maintain the trust of Hamas and the international community at the same time. If Mr. Adams is able to achieve that feat, he may be able to serve as a conduit for bringing Hamas to the negotiating table in the long-term.
We do not assess this outcome as likely considering the hard-line positions Hamas has staked in this process. Additionally, Israel’s new hawkish government will likely be reluctant to work with a group it believes is overly sympathetic to Hamas’ cause. Yet, we do assess Sinn Fein as a viable intermediary useful for all sides to save face while determining a negotiated agreement. Such services by former terrorists may not bring peace to the region, but at least they make it possible for the sides to talk. That, in itself, is a useful first step.
