Political realism

Ibrahim Nafie argues that Hamas must not be pre-judged

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Since its impressive elections victory the Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, has been repeatedly attacked. Israel wants to make things hard not just for Hamas but for all Palestinians. According to Israel all assistance to the Palestinian Authority must be discontinued should Hamas form the new government. Major donor countries have been pressing Hamas to recognise Israel and all signed agreements and give up armed resistance. So far Hamas has reacted with a mixture of restraint and flexibility. It has not ruled out negotiations, but it made it clear that the future depends on what the Israeli government does. Those who ask Hamas to recognise Israel should keep in mind that Israel has yet to recognise Palestinian rights. Israel has not offered to meet Hamas halfway.

Chief of General Intelligence Omar Soleiman has asked the international community to give Hamas six months and then judge it. The international community should listen to this advice. Punishing Hamas before it has even taken office doesn't make sense.

Once in government Hamas is likely to be pragmatic. Hamas Political Bureau Chairman Khaled Mashaal has already offered some workable ideas about political partnership and the formation of a unified Palestinian army. Ismail Haniya, the man most likely to become the next prime minister, said the Palestinians were not warmongers or bloodthirsty. Once Israel recognises the legitimate rights of the Palestinians, Hamas will be ready to talk, he said.

Hamas has been sending the right signals. It has a national programme that is backed by its people. And frankly speaking, a Hamas government would be in a good position to reach a political settlement with Israel. Hamas is hard line but it is also credible. After years of armed resistance Hamas has all the credentials a peace deal requires. So instead of prejudging Hamas, let's give it time. Sanctions make no sense. For one thing, you cannot judge a government before it is formed. For another, ordinary people are the ones most likely to suffer.

Ayman Al-Zawahri, the second man in al-Qaeda, has urged Hamas not to recognise the peace agreements signed between the Palestinian Authority and Israel. He urged the movement to press on with armed struggle until Palestine is liberated and an Islamic government is in power. Al-Zawahri was hinting that Hamas has preferred political to military action.

Hamas dismissed his comments out of hand. Mashaal said that Hamas must engage in politics as well as resistance. Mohamed Nazzal, another key Hamas official, said that no one should be telling Hamas what to do. The rebuff is a further proof that Hamas has a mind of its own. It sees resistance as a means, not an end. Palestinian factions, especially Fatah, would do well to join Hamas in a government of national unity. The success of Hamas in government would be good news to all Palestinians.

The Quartet -- the US, Russia, EU and UN -- should give Hamas a break instead of complicating its life. Hamas is capable of nuanced statesmanship. Hamas has already been saying the right things. It has offered a long-term truce with Israel. Its officials have discussed at length the roadmap and peace talks. All this indicates that the movement is capable of change and amenable to talks. Hamas has the kind of confidence and vision that could be instrumental in leading to peace.