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Source: http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1135889.html
Abbas in West Bank, Hamas in Gaza Stabilize Their Status
(Ha'aretz) Avi Issacharoff - In an interview with Ha'aretz this week, Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas was in an upbeat and jovial mood, smiling all over and looking confident. Abbas has become an all-powerful leader in the West Bank. On Sunday and Monday alone, his forces there arrested 300 Hamas activists. The domestic threat to Abbas' rule has been removed. The current situation in the West Bank is one of the best, if not the best, since 1948. Quiet prevails in the streets of every city, the economy is starting to take off, and the civilian police are maintaining law and order. Israel is helping by getting rid of checkpoints. The quality of life of the average Palestinian has improved dramatically in comparison with past years. A Palestinian journalist this week called the situation in the West Bank "terrific." In Gaza, thanks to an extensive network of charitable organizations, and millions of dollars coming in from abroad, Hamas is still able to buy the good will of the street and supply the people with what they want. The movement projects credibility and, mainly, a sense of power. There is no organization or faction capable of challenging its rule.