A Triumph for Hamas… But a Tragedy for the Palestinians?

Muslims and non-Muslims alike around the world have long hoped for political and economic stability in the Palestinian territories. But Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has dissolved what was once called a “national unity government,” formed after the Hamas party defeated Fatah in 2006 parliamentary elections. After a week of chaos, Hamas fighters, donned in hoods, control Gaza Strip and Abbas’ Fatah controls the West Bank. Newspapers describe the fragmentation as a “tragedy” and “loss” for the Palestinian people; others compare the conflict to that in Iraq, although both Hamas and Fatah share Sunni beliefs. The international community had hoped that, with elections and a unity government, the Palestinian officials could devise a workable democracy. But democracy thrives more on compromise than revenge and ideology. The international community also supports Israel, which Hamas declines to recognize. A report in “The Independent” suggests that Israel and the international community will focus on efforts with West Bank leaders and, for now, ignore Hamas. Muslims worldwide have long rallied behind justice and human rights for Palestinians combined with ending international military support for Israel. Yet the violence and infighting give supporters pause, prompting many to question the reality of stable Palestinian self-rule. – YaleGlobal