[New York Times] Helene Cooper - Bush administration officials said Thursday they had been discussing the idea of largely acquiescing in the takeover of Gaza by Hamas and trying instead to help Fatah's Mahmoud Abbas retain control in the West Bank. The U.S. had quietly encouraged Abbas to dissolve the Palestinian government and dismiss Prime Minister Haniyeh, steps that Abbas announced Thursday. Before the announcement, Secretary of State Rice telephoned Abbas to reiterate American support for the move.
2007-06-15 01:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive