Palestinian reconciliation proves resolve of political Islam, says Algerian MP

Algerian MP Suleiman Shanin has hailed reconciliation between the Islamic Movement Hamas and the secular Fatah Movement, stating that this proves that attempts to eradicate political Islam have failed, Quds Press reported yesterday.

Shanin called for Palestinians to avoid “Arab polarisation because they need all Arab nations and regimes in their battle against the Israeli occupation”.

He also called on them to offer “painful concessions” to each other in order to unite and become one front in the face of the Israeli occupation.

“We know that revolutions do not succeed unless the internal fronts are united,” Shanin said, giving the Algerian revolution as an example. He also stressed: “When the differences between Palestinians lessen, the journey towards the liberation of Palestine becomes shorter.”

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The Algerian official considered the Egyptian belief to include Hamas in any reconciliation effort an “important development” because Cairo had recognised the “negative dimensions” of ruling out Hamas.

He added: “This might lead other Arab states to recognise the danger that excluding political Islam has on the Palestinian issue and the stability of the region.”

Shanin hoped that after forging good relations with Hamas Cairo would review its position on political Islam in general and particularly the Muslim Brotherhood.

“Whatever the differences are among us, they must be resolved through dialogue. I think this should be applied on the relationship between Egypt and the Muslim Brotherhood.”