(Christian Science Monitor) Ilene R. Prusher - Hamas introduced a cabinet Sunday that creates a hard-line Palestinian government - lacking moderate forces and led by some of the Islamic organization's most militant actors. It's a signal, say analysts, that the Palestinian leadership appears willing to forgo much of the funding it has been receiving from Western nations. The crucial diplomatic position of foreign minister went to Mahmoud Zahar, who is adamantly opposed to any softening of Hamas' position that Israel should be destroyed. Zahar is known for his fiery rhetoric and vocal support for the organization's use of suicide bombings. Zahar has long said that all of historical Palestine is holy to Islam and must be liberated. From Israel's point of view, Zahar as foreign minister is simply a symbol of what Israel faces with Hamas at the helm.
2006-03-21 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive