Israel braces for Hamas dominating elections

[ckramer]

Acting Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert huddled with top military and political officials Sunday to discuss the growing likelihood that the militant group Hamas could dominate this week's Palestinian elections.

The ascendance of Hamas has alarmed Israel, which appears to have been caught off guard by the group's surging popularity before Wednesday's vote. Hamas has killed hundreds of Israelis in suicide bombings and remains committed to Israel's destruction.

Israel's Western allies also have been scrambling to figure out how to deal with Hamas. U.S. officials confirmed Sunday they have been directing money to promote democratic parties in the election but denied the move was aimed against Hamas.

link

This is a test for USA and Israel.

[bullimiami]

1. treat them like dogs and wonder why they bite?

george bush suffers from the same stupidity.

[Tom Joad]

2. The World should brace for the latest violence to be unleashed by Israel

[Scurrilous]

3. 'U.S. law bars recognition of PA with Hamas'

<snip>

"The American administration has promised Israel that the United States will not recognize any Palestinian government in which Hamas participates, government sources in Jerusalem have said.

The sources said that American envoys who visited here about 10 days ago told Israeli officials that recognizing such a government would violate American law."

<snip>

"Polls have shown that Hamas could win a third or more of the vote in the Wednesday elections for the Palestinian parliament, a showing that could prompt an offer from the ruling Fatah party to share power in a coalition government."

<snip>

"On Sunday, Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas defended his decision to allow Hamas to run in the election, saying he hopes Hamas would tame its positions once it formally joins the political system."


more

[barb162]

4. contradictory statements in the article on lawlessness

THIS: "Hamas, best known for its suicide attacks, has won over the Palestinian public in its first run for the legislature by focusing on domestic concerns, halting government corruption and restoring law and order to the chaotic West Bank and Gaza Strip"

and

THIS: Palestinian officials said security forces will begin a mass deployment Monday to ensure order during the election

The West Bank and Gaza Strip have been plagued by a wave of chaos and lawlessness in recent months, and some armed groups have threatened to disrupt the voting.

Interior Minister Nasser Yousef said he gave "tough orders" to his forces "to stop any display of arms during the election day."

--
If Hamas has restored law and order why is there so much chaos and lawlessness?