The Bush administration declares neutrality

Below I took a look at the case of Leslye Knox v. The Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian Liberation Organization and asked which side the Bush administration is on. Ms. Knox is the widow of Aharon Ellis, murdered by the Al Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigade. The PA and the PLO defaulted on the claim that they are responsible for the murder of Ms. Knox’s husband; they are now subject to a $174 million judgment. On second thought, however, they would prefer to litigate the issue, and a federal judge has asked the government for its view concerning vacation of the judgment. All things considered, according to the AP, the Bush administration can’t make up its mind:

“The United States supports just compensation for victims of terrorism from those responsible for their losses and has encouraged all parties to resolve these cases to their mutual benefit,” [Deputy Assistant Attorney General Carl J. Nichols] wrote in the letter to U.S. District Judge Victor Marrero.
“At the same time,” Nichols added, “the United States remains concerned about the potentially significant impact that these cases may have on the financial and political viability of the defendants.”

Which side is the Bush administration on? It can’t make up its mind.

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