The Washington Post today publishes on op—ed by Abdallah Alsami, identified as a Gaza resident and employee of a Palestinian NGO, which goes straight into propaganda territory. Israel is responsible for the Hamas win. Palestinians were voting not for the destruction of Israel but for less corruption. Yes, it is awkward that Hamas still calls for the destruction of Israel, but nobody the author knows is really talking about destroying Israel.

Some highlights:

...what I hear my neighbors and colleagues discussing is: How will Hamas govern without the support of international donors? Will I receive next month's paycheck? [....]

After all, the Palestinians who voted for Hamas —— which remains dedicated to the destruction of Israel —— are collectively the same people who have told pollsters that, like the majority of Israelis, they want to end the Middle East conflict peacefully on the basis of a two—state solution [....]

So why did so many throw their support behind Hamas? In recent days I have asked this question of many friends and colleagues, and most of their answers had nothing to do with Israel. [....]

Almost no one I speak with talks about Hamas's victory in terms of Israel. [....]

Nevertheless, it is difficult not to think that Israel, with or without realizing it, helped Hamas win the election —— by undermining the existing government.

Ed Lasky  2 05 06