Double the budget

One of the things I have always wondered about is when the International community will decide enough is enough and wean the Palestinians off the international dole. Jerusalem Post contains the latest ‘budgetary demand’ from the Palestinian Authority:

The Palestinian Authority government in the West Bank will ask donor countries for $5.5 billion in aid for 2008-2010, or nearly double the current annual amount, the Palestinian planning minister said Sunday. Donor countries are to meet in Paris on December 17 to discuss the level of aid to moderate Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

Donors hoping to build on last week's Annapolis conference, are expected to provide generous support to the Palestinians, said Planning Minister Samir Abdullah. "The important success that was achieved in Annapolis will create a positive atmosphere in Paris," he said. He said 70 percent of the money would go for budget support and 30 percent for development projects.

And just in case you think Fatah does not have a generous streak towards Hamas I add this tidbit from Planning Minister Samir Abdullah:

He said money would be spent not only in the West Bank, which is controlled by Abbas, but also in Gaza, which is ruled by Hamas.

Someone has to pay for the continued kassam attacks.