Hamas - an update.

6/21/06
Hamas - an update.
In our last sketch of May 3, and earlier in February we predicted that Hamas would moderate its attitude and curtail violence directed towards Israel, eventually recognizing that Israel has a right to exist. The motivation is of course the financial leverage being applied by a united West. This week Hamas officials have given every indication that they will agree to a plan which conforms roughly to the original Bush Road Map, and, includes the recognition of Israel.
None of this would have been possible without the electoral victory of Hamas, an event which most observers highlighted as evidence of failure in the US initiative to democratize the Mid East. We celebrated that victory as it thrust Hamas to center stage, lending some credibility to former outlaws now accountable to an electorate.
Bob Craven