Despite voluminous evidence that EU funds are making a substantial contribution to financing terrorism (see esp. Die Zeit's "Arafat Bombs, Europe Pays" and "With Unyielding Faith"), the EU has investigated and decided to give itself a clean bill of health.
Maybe we could have EU investigations of terrorist culpability, too, before American forces are committed anywhere. Or the U.N., since they're so obviously above reproach. That would certainly make a lot of Democratic Party activists very happy.
Putting aside the (much-deserved) ridicule for a moment, there are 2 other interesting - and important - angles to this story...
One angle is accountability, or rather its consistent, systemic lack within the EU. I've expressed serious concerns about this before, and noted its tendency to lead to much worse things down the road. Suffice to say that my fears are not quieted by this recent episode.
In an interesting sidenote, the OLAF anti-fraud office that performed this "investigation," recently ordered the arrest of a leading investigative journalist, holding him for 10 hours without a lawyer and seizing his computers, his address books and archive of files. What was Hans-Martin Tillack, the Brussels correspondent for Germany's Stern magazine, investigating? Corruption in the OLAF. Wonder how many of those files will ever be returned?
Good thing that those enlightened Euros are too sophisticated to put a troglodyte like John Ashcroft in charge. Otherwise, they might have problems with abuse of basic freedoms.
What this incident also highlights a larger geo-political pattern of EU hostility to Israel, a hostility that is transferring to Jews in general via revival of old prejudices, immigration from states that preach and teach that hate, political trends among the worldwide Left, and more official coverups in response to the growing tide of anti-Semitism.
EU Comissioner Chris Patten's steadfast refusal to investigate no matter what evidence was supplied, followed by this grudging farce, makes it abundantly clear that this investigation into terrorist financing was never serious. Instead, this was about "plausible deniability" for an EU policy that has made them quiet co-belligerents against the Jewish state. While America's support for Israel and global War on Terror limits the EU's freedom of action by attaching real costs to open hostilities and support, these policies will nonetheless be pursued by diplomatic, economic and covert/deniable means. LGF pretty much sums this one up in EU Hits Bottom, Digs:
"...they examined the voluminous Israeli evidence, then talked with Palestinian officials and decided to believe the Palestinians.
What can you say?
In other news:
14:08 European Parliament calls for suspension of EU-Israel trade agreement if Israel's assassination policy continues
14:51 Dutch foreign minister predicts Syria, EU will soon reach compromise on economic partnership agreement"
Ah, yes, those noted respecters of human rights the Syrians, who would never think of supporting assassinations and terrorist killings and are therefore an excellent trade partner for the EU. Maybe they could dip into their own vast experience, and offer the Euros some useful tips on how to treat meddling journalists. And Jews.
Remember all this next time some snotty European politico offers their services as a "mediator" for the "Mideast Peace Process".
I noticed that Israel recently paid the PA VAT reciepts totalling around 150m - shooting themselves in their perverbial foot ?
They were under pressure from the U.S. and Europe to do so, under the terms of the "Roadmap to Peace." And yes, I see it as shooting themselves. Though the shots probably won't be aimed at peoples' feet.
Bottom line, both Israel, the EU and the US are 'funding terrorist'.
Andrew P.- That all depends if you designate the PA as inveterately terrorist. Diplomatically, the US cannot do so and then attempt to negotiate with them. Two faced? You bet, but its realistic until the PA proves you right.
Hi Tom,
The implication I read is that Mr Katzman views those that recieve aid from the EU (the PA) are terrorists, hence my calling the PA 'terrorist'. I do not think they are, Joe does (??).
Personally, I view a terrorist/terrorist organization as one whom uses disproportionate force on civillians to further their aims.
Regs, Andy
"I view a terrorist/terrorist organization as one whom uses disproportionate force on civillians to further their aims."
That would leave out the Israelis then, unless you can support a claim that their force is disproportionate, within the context of the repeated blatant attempts to wipe them out. Please remember that PLO terrorists hide among civilians, which is a violation of the Geneva conventions.
I agree that armed personel using civilians as shields is against the Geneva convention and is to be deplored.
I would also say that one side or other cannot hide behind the Geneva convention (or any convention/international law) when it suits and shout 'FOUL!', then flout it when it serves its 'national interest'.
This is the crux of 'double standards'.
As the old adage say: 'You reap what you sew'.
The truth is closer to: 'You can wear what you sew'.
I'm also dying to hear about how the Israelis are flouting the Geneva Convention.
'You reap what you sew' ?? Isn't that like blaming Israel for being the focal point of Arab hatred?
So its Israel's fault again, huh? Could you explain how cause-and-effect works in your view of the world.
Anderson,
I suggest your bush up on international law, read the conventions, read what occupation powers are responsible for and the, when you have (re-?)educated yourself with all these facts, apply them to Israel (and Palistine) and see if both sides are in compliance - I look forward to you getting back to us with your new(or re)found wisdom.
FooFoo,
Some things are Israels fault, some the Palistinians.
As the old adage say: 'You reap what you sew'.
What's needlework got to do with it?
Yeah! And why would someone plant their needlework in a field?