Bush just had his 2006 State of the Union (tag) a couple of hours back. One of his points is:

Far from being a hopeless dream, the advance of freedom is the great story of our time. In 1945, there were about two dozen lonely democracies in the world. Today, there are 122. And we're writing a new chapter in the story of self-government -- with women lining up to vote in Afghanistan, and millions of Iraqis marking their liberty with purple ink, and men and women from Lebanon to Egypt debating the rights of individuals and the necessity of freedom. At the start of 2006, more than half the people of our world live in democratic nations. And we do not forget the other half -- in places like Syria and Burma, Zimbabwe, North Korea, and Iran -- because the demands of justice, and the peace of this world, require their freedom, as well.

Yes. When the Palestinians democratically elect Hamas into office, suddenly, it's not acceptable, isn't it?

A reminder for Bush: in real democracy, you can't always get the result that you yearn for.

Contrary to Bush and several others' belief, including Israel, I believe that this is a chance to establish greater peace between Israel and Palestine. Take the Hamas' ceasefire for instance. Hamas is staying true to its words. Hamas has not launched any single attack on Israel for the last few months. Meanwhile, Israel's unilateral withdrawal from Gaza Strip speaks well from Israel.

Both are signals that both sides could assume good faith. Because of that, I have high hope the ceasefire could a stepping stone for a comprehensive and viable peace plan if Israel and Hamas-led government could sort things out on a negotiation table. If Israel and everybody else won't talk to Hamas, then things won't go for the better.

Isolation just won't work. It didn't work with North Korea, neither did it work for Iran nor Myanmar. It didn't even work with Arafat when he was alived. Isolation will only bring more trouble. The European Union, United States and Israel cannot pretend that Hamas doesn't represent the people of Palestine.

While saying this, Hamas must realize that the state of Israel is not going anywhere. Israel has a right to exist regardless of history. The most viable solution is a two-state solution. The time for war has come and gone.

p/s - this is starting to become very ridiculous. Protesting Muslims don't seem to comprehend free speech while German and French media can't seem to appreciate diversity.

pp/s - well, somebody disagrees with me. It seems he prefers war to peace.