Hamas defeats Fatah in Palestinian election

The recent ascension of Hamas to the Palestinian government doesn't mean the elections weren't a sign of progress, just a sign of how much further the Palestinians need to go. In time the Hamas government will be voted out for it's inability to make good on its campaign promises. Their main objective being the destruction of Israel, an impossibilty at this time with the construction of the Isreali wall, will make Hamas appear ineffective. Foriegn aid, vital for the Palestinian Authority, will be reduced due to the bellicose nature of the regime that rejects the road map to peace. And without a Fatah government to reflexively blame for Palestinian defeats Hamas will have no legs to stand on.

Elections don't equal democracy, but it's a start. And if Hamas breaks the current cease fire Israel can take solice that any collateral damage caused in retaliatory attacks is the fault of Hamas because its a popular regime that represents the Palestinian people.

Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palesinian Authority, supported by the Fatah movement, still retains authority over the 'security forces'. The defeat of his party in the recent elections shows that the Palestianians aren't pleased with the former government because it too couldn't deliver on it's promises. Abbas, a.k.a. Abu Mazin, appeared as a partner for peace in the west while preaching the destruction of Isreal to the east, an untenable position. Although under his leadership the PA gained the Gaza and parts of the West Bank, the Israelis were able to construct a wall to deter the most valued Palestinian weapon, the suicide bomber.