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Source: http://washingtoninstitute.org/templateC05.php?CID=3009
Hamas' Challenge to the PLO
[Washington Institute for Near East Policy] Mohammad Yaghi - On Jan. 28, Hamas political bureau chief Khaled Mashal announced the start of a new campaign against the Fatah-led Palestine Liberation Organization, declaring Hamas' intention to replace the PLO with a new body that would serve the Islamist group's agenda of "resistance." Hamas' efforts to take over or replace the PLO represent a severe challenge to Palestinian moderates. The outcome of this political struggle will shape the future of Palestinian politics and the prospects for peace. Despite the political weakness of Fatah and Abbas and the increasing support for Hamas, it is difficult to see a way that Hamas could gain control of the PLO without Fatah's surrender. Further, Fatah's allies in the PLO, such as the Popular Front and the Democratic Front, will not accept Hamas' leadership.