In a rather abrupt about-face on U.S. foreign policy with respect to the Palestinian Authority, we are now going to be rewarding their conduct with cold, hard cash:

The Bush administration has cleared the way for $20 million in direct U.S. assistance to the Palestinian Authority, a step reflecting its support for Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas’ leadership, a U.S. official said Wednesday.

After consultation with Congress, Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage on Tuesday signed a waiver from congressional restrictions that barred direct U.S. aid to the Palestinian Authority, which is led by Yasser Arafat. The administration and Congress had accused the Palestinian leader of corruption.

The waiver allows the administration to sidestep Arafat by distributing U.S. aid directly to the Palestinian people. This step will help Abbas to respond to the humanitarian needs of the Palestinians, according to a senior U.S. official who spoke on condition of anonymity. A formal announcement was expected later Wednesday.

Gee, doesn’t it seem like just a couple of days ago the Palestinians were begging for the release of known terrorists because their government depends on them? Oh, wait. It was.