Hamas bites off more than it can chew.

An interesting perspective that I saw on TV over the last weekend was the suggestion that perhaps Hamas didn't really want to win a majority in this election. Rather, it is more likely that they sought to win a significant number of seats, but not enough that they would be leading the government. With Fatah still leading the government, Hamas could run its big mouth, criticizing Fatah and Israel while not having to back up anything it said politically.

Fortunately, Hamas did win a majority. And my word usage here is quite deliberate - I believe this election outcome will ultimately be a good thing. Most Palestinians want the peace process to move forward, but it seems that Israel (rightfully) is not going to have any exchange with a government that seeks its destruction. Additionally, the international community is going to slow or cease aid altogether, without which the Palestinians will not survive. Hamas has even started begging for that money.

The bottom line, is that by winning a majority, Hamas will be confronted with a major dilemma. In either case, the West and Israel will be better off, although the Palestinians will be better off only in one scenario. Ideally, Hamas would choose to renounce terrorism and decide to recognize Israel's right do exist. By doing these things, international aid would continue and the peace process would move forward. If there was any question as to whether giving up on violence would be the best for the Palestinians, this move would make it obvious.

On the other hand, Hamas could choose to continue to utilize terrorism and cling to their platform of seeking the destruction of Israel. If Hamas chooses this route, the flow of money to the Palestinians dries up quickly, and the peace process ceases. The Palestinians will suffer, and everyone will know who is responsible. The credibility of their methods diminished, Hamas would predictably be beaten by Fatah in the next election.

Don't get too hopeful that Hamas will choose the route that benefits everyone, though. What more concerns the Hamas leadership: the well-being of the Palestinians, or the destruction of Israel? My money is unfortunately on the latter. I pity the Palestinian people, as they will be the ones who suffer as a result.