The Arab Past Meeting the Arab Future

The Middle East could be transformed if the Palestinian group Hamas renounced violence, accepted Israel’s right to exist and supported the past commitments of the Palestinian Authority, writes David Ignatius for the Daily Star. Ignatius lists several recent events, including Hamas’ support for Syria’s opposition movement and its ongoing dialogue with Egyptian officials, that signal the group is reconsidering its hardline stance. “Inevitably, a more democratic Arab world is going to turn up the heat on the Palestinian issue,” Ignatius writes. “Any opening to Hamas, even if it meets U.S. conditions, carries considerable risk for Israel, but also great opportunity.” Hamas must choose sides for its place in history – whether to join the Arab past of fragmentation and conflict or an Arab future of stability, peace and cooperation. – YaleGlobal