Hamas Leader Sees No Change Toward Israelis

NYT reported The exiled political head of the radical Islamic group Hamas said Saturday in Damascus, Syria, that the group would adopt "a very realistic approach" toward governing the Palestinian Authority and would work with the Fatah president, Mahmoud Abbas, on an acceptable political program.

But the leader, Khaled Meshal, also said Hamas would not "submit to pressure to recognize Israel, because the occupation is illegitimate and we will not abandon our rights,"

As long as he maintains that position I feel sure the US will not help support the Palestinians, and I hope the weak willed Europeans will not either.

nor would it disarm, but would work to create a unified Palestinian army.

Will the army be loyal to the elected Palestinian Authority, whoever that is, or will it be loyal to Hamas, regardless of who wins future elections?

He insisted that "resistance is a legitimate right that we will practice and protect," and he defended attacks on Israeli civilians, which included many suicide bombings until a cease-fire nearly a year ago. Then he said Hamas was "ready to work with Europe and even the United States if they wish."