Civil War in Iraq Palestine
While American media outlets seem determined to undermine the new Iraqi government by their continuing insistence that there is a widespread civil war going on, they seem unwilling to even suggest such a war is going on in Palestine.

This morning, there was a large-scale firefight between Fatah security forces and Hamas security forces outside of the Gaza parliment building. That seems like its the very definition of civil war, but hey, I don't work for the NY Times.

As to recent claims that al Qaeda was responsible for the recent bomb attack on Palestine's intelligence chief, Fatah's al Aqsa Martyrs Brigade did what comes naturally to them. They blamed the Jews:

Fatah's armed wing, the Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, issued a statement in which they claimed that Israel was behind the growing tensions between the party and Hamas.

"There is no presence for al-Qaida in Palestine," the group said. "These are only Israeli claims. Israel and its agents are behind the recent confrontations in the Gaza Strip."

If you really want a laugh, take a look at the al Jazeera coverage of the incident. You can pretty much see see who's side they're on (although I suppose yesterday's torching of al Jazeera employee's cars doesn't help you get even-handed coverage):

Witnesses said the incident began when members of a Hamas militia came under fire and sought cover in an abandoned building.

The militiamen exchanged fire with those shooting at them, the witnesses said.

At one point, a Palestinian police car tried to approach, but was shot at. Ambulances raced to the scene.

Earlier on Monday, a Palestinian fighter was shot dead in clashes in the Gaza Strip despite pledges by Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas and the Hamas-led government to avoid escalation of violence.

To paraphrase paleo-conservative John McLaughlin, "It looks like civiiiiiiillllll waaaaaaarrrrr!"
- posted by Base10 @ 9:16 AM