Hamas:  Will Power and Responsibility Moderate its Stance?
14 February 2006

In his February 13 Op/Ed piece in the Washington Post, Jackson Diehl identifies a rift among Islamic fundamentalists in the Middle East.  Specifically, he argues that the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt and Jordan has begun to embrace democracy and eschew violence.  He points out that the Muslim Brotherhood, through its calls for Hamas to responsibly engage the international community, is in essence asking them to do the same: reject terrorism and use legitimate, democratic means to promote their agenda.  Diehl cautions that “the odds are not great” that Hamas will adopt a middle road and points out that there is no easy policy for the West to adopt, noting the many pitfalls if their strategies fail.

The New York Times, on February 14, reports that the Bush administration, along with Israel, may be contemplating attempting to “destabilize” the Palestinian government in order that new elections must be called and Hamas may be removed from power.  Those accepting Diehl’s argument might worry that such a move may push Hamas toward more extreme elements and supporters in Iran.  At a minimum, the Times article reports, the US and much of the West will demand that Hamas must accept Israel and renounce violence or lose international support and face increasing isolation.