Hamas wins big in an upset victory in Palestine, taking a clean majority of seats after initial results showed Fatah ahead 58 seats to 53. Prime Minister Ahmed Qureia (Abu Alaa) and his cabinet resigned this morning, and the vote and transfer of power seem to be under way in a peaceful manner. The U.S. is being smart and not saying much, leaving the onus on Hamas to make the first move.
As much as Hamas is anti-Israeli and anti-American, this result may be the best thing for peace. All of a sudden, Hamas' leaders have a lot to lose by provoking their longtime enemies, and a lot to gain by preserving calm. They'll also have "street cred" that the PA lost long, long ago. Palestinians will believe (whatever the truth) that Hamas negotiators are actually doing their best for Palestinian interests and are not wildly corrupt. Publically religious American politicians could learn something from their Palestinian counterparts: ethical behavior bespeaks a true faith.
2 comments:
Check out Casey's blog for a different take on the election results.
Salim,
If you don't mind, I'm going to direct a few people to your article on Hamas's political victory. I think (and hope) you are on the right track on this one, and it's certainly a view you wouldn't get from the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
- The Law Abiding Citizen
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