The Guardian article Omar posted, http://www.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,,1698420,00.html, is very interesting. Each time I hear something from Hamas I remember Andre Nusse's argument that Hamas is capable of compromise. There isn't much compromise in Khalid Mish'al's article - but perhaps a smidgeon. Can an Islamist organization give up its militancy for political gain? This was a fear of Ruhollah Khomeini. That is why when he was at the top of his game he rejected the idea of endorsing one particular Islamist organization. He thought that if one got too large it might compromise. He thought the Muslim Brothers in Egypt had traded Islamist principle for political gain. Khomeini feared it and so believed it could happen, but from our perspective can we agree with Nusse and think the possibility of Hamas comprise credible? I am tempted to say "no," but since they are already in power it isn't going to hurt to pursue a truce to either be surprised in the discovery that they are willing to compromise, or have our Western cynicism confirmed once again. Of course if they aren't willing to give up their terrorist activities during this truce then it will never be ratified. It will be very interesting to see how this plays out. Another aspect of the current situation that is interesting is that Hamas has moved from a para-national to a national force. If they turn Palestine into an Islamist state in the manner of the Taliban in Afghanistan then they enter a new realm and will be subjecting Palestine to new risks. Lawrence -----Original Message----- From: lit-ideas-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:lit-ideas-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Omar Kusturica Sent: Tuesday, January 31, 2006 2:07 AM To: lit-ideas@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [lit-ideas] Palestine and Hamas There is also an element of condescension in the "corruption" explanation. Hamas says that it wants an Islamic state all the way from the Jordan to the Mediterranean. It publishes and promulgates the Protocols of the Elders of Zion. Why not assume that it is at least partly serious about all this? *I agree that it might be a good idea to listen to what the Hamas actually says. http://www.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,,1698420,00.html