Palestinian Election Results: Hurdles For Hamas

The Middle East has grabbed international media attention again after the recent democratic elections of Hamas, a militaristic group that has gained a majority in the Palestinian parliament in the first legislative elections since 1996.

A previous opponent of Palestinian government initiatives, Hamas protested peace discussions and has historically refused government involvement. That changed when Hamas participated in last month's elections. The new representation of Hamas in parliament does not make the group any less controversial as their presence creates a regional and international dilemma.

Formed in 1987, Hamas is the largest militant Islamic organization. The group was created during the first intifada with goals of removing Israel from the occupied territories of Gaza and the West Bank. They claim that violence is a legitimate way to resist occupation and have pledged never to recognize the existence of Israel. In addition to militant operations, Hamas also leads civic and social programs. They build and administer schools, hospitals and religious institutions in towns and refugee camps.

The emergence of Hamas has generated new optimism for some Palestinians who have been discouraged by the corruption and discord plaguing Fatah, the party that has dominated the Palestinian movement for decades. As an Islamic organization, Hamas is believed to be an honest and efficient presence to battle current government immorality.

Hamas has declared they are willing to work with Fatah in forming a coalition government in parliament, but Fatah has rejected this call for unity. It appears Fatah will instead become the loyal opposition. Without a coalition with Fatah, Hamas will have a very difficult time communicating with Israel and the international community. Palestinian President and Fatah member Mahmoud Abbas has indicated he will ask Hamas to form the new government, but is firm about Hamas agreeing to respect the international peace effort known as the roadmap.

International pressure is on Hamas to recognize the right of Israel to exist and to renounce terrorism. Reluctant to support a government led by Hamas, the U.S. and European Union are threatening to withdraw funding from Palestine. The foreign aid is critical to operation of many institutions, such as schools and health care. Hamas has responded, declaring a withdrawal of funds to be a punishment on the Palestinian people. Israel has also indefinitely frozen monthly tax payments to Palestine. Israel says it will continue the payments when Hamas is not in control.

The election of Hamas has magnified an already present internal divide in Palestine. Optimists observe the change from Fatah to Hamas as necessary to create an effective government after years of disappointment with Fatah. Pessimists fear the Hamas representation will result in a dramatic escalation in Palestinian-Israeli violence by both sides fortifying through silence and military and civilian strikes.

Hamas has been democratically elected and should be recognized by international players, especially by President Bush who has made public his determination to spread democracy in the Middle East. The quest for political stability and expectation of protecting the rights and property of Palestinians should force Hamas to negotiate. Without compromise, Hamas will have trouble blending their new political role with their fanatic resistance.

A Hamas-controlled parliament has raised similar questions for Palestinians, Israelis, and the international community as history indicates the transition from opposition group to government will be difficult. A new period of uncertainty begins in the land of unrest as the world waits to see how Hamas will balance international pressure and political responsibility with their struggle against Israel.