the positive note - They want to work with Abbas & Fatah within the government to improve life in the PA.
The negative notes - They have no interes in, nor intend to: a) recognize the State of Israel; B) Negotiate with Israel; C) give up 'the armed struggle'/terrorism
C is clearly the problem. Hamas will not disarm. As for A & B, well Israel and the US will not recognize or negotiate with them either, so the feeling is mutual.
The Israeli elections are in March. Olmert (PM) will probably move forward with the "complete disengagement (finish the security fence, evacuate some small J&S communities)' platform. His main opponent on the left has already said he will not negotiate with Hamas, but will also continue the disengagement. On the right, they will play this as "see what running away did, our enemies went and elected the terrorists!" The hard-liners see disengagement as a reward for terrorism.
Now is the time for the international community to step up and pressure Hamas to renounce terrorism and disarm by witholding monetary aid.
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