|
Trending Topics
|
Source: http://www.hudson-ny.org/2704/hamas-plo
Why Hamas Wants to Join the PLO
(Hudson Institute New York) Khaled Abu Toameh - Hamas' decision to join the PLO is seen by some as a sign that the Islamist movement is headed toward "moderation" and "pragmatism." But if the agreement with Abbas is implemented, Hamas will take control over the PLO. Once Hamas takes control over the PLO, it will seek to cancel all agreements with Israel, above all the 1993 Oslo Accords. Hamas also wants the PLO to withdraw its recognition of Israel. Some Western analysts have begun talking about the "new Hamas" which is about to abandon the "armed struggle" in favor of a peaceful, popular uprising against Israel. But Hamas, according to its leaders, is joining the PLO because it wants to "liberate Palestine," and not because it is interested in becoming part of the peace process.