Hamas Cabinet resigns to bring Fatah into government

Heaven forbid the US gives this government a chance to survive.

Palestinian prime minister Ismail Haniyeh of Hamas has formed a new government with the moderate Fatah movement, but he faces unresolved internal disputes and a reported warning of a US boycott.

Yesterday, Haniyeh and his government resigned and President Mahmoud Abbas of Fatah appointed him to form the new team, based on last week’s agreement in the Muslim holy city of Mecca to split power between the two rivals.

Mr Haniyeh has five weeks to put together a new Cabinet. During that period, Hamas and Fatah need to resolve deep disputes over control of the security forces and whether to dismantle a separate Hamas militia.

However, even if the coalition is formed, it appears increasingly unlikely it will win international backing. The new government’s political programme falls short of a key condition by the international community, explicit recognition of Israel. Instead, it contains a vague promise to “respect” international agreements, at best implying recognition.

Hamas is considered a terror group by the US, the EU and Israel, and the Hamas-led government was targeted by a crippling international aid boycott.

Isn't an "implied" recognition of Israel a step forward? Just asking.

The world isn't black and white, regardless of what Bush thinks. Tiny steps are OK. Today the coalition implies recognition of Israel and soon may demonstratively accept Israel. We have to wait and see, but accept what's offered now.

Oh yeah, "considered a terror group" by a psychotic administration, Bush's poodle and a paranoid nation. No problem for me.

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