Before we read into the tea leaves too deeply, sometimes it’s worth reminding ourselves that for as much as we might think Democrats and Republicans are separated on some issues, there are some places in the world where those divisions seem rather inconsequential:
‘I was shocked,’ said Rami Giacaman, 19, a Catholic student at Bethlehem University whose family owns a souvenir shop on Manger Square in Bethlehem, West Bank. ‘I didn’t imagine that Hamas would win. I am just a little bit concerned about things changing that may hurt us.’
Suheir, 24, a Catholic owner of a high-end women’s clothing boutique in the Bethlehem area, who preferred not to have her last name used or the exact location of her store revealed, said she hopes Hamas will not venture into the social sphere of Palestinian life. She said she is concerned that the new ruling party could try to implement dress and social codes based on Islamic law.
‘I will never cover myself; it is simply impossible for me to do that. If they (impose) such rules for girls, we won’t accept that,’ said Suheir.
Just in case a little perspective is needed…