How to Deal With Hamas

The world has tried--and failed--to weaken Palestinian radicals by isolating them. It's time for a change of course

Wissam Nassar / AP

Under portraits of Abbas and Arafat, a militant in Gaza poses for photographers in a Fatah office seized by Hamas on June 14, 2007.

In the scorching heat of the Palestinian territories, you wouldn't think a woolly ski mask would be popular. But for Palestinian militants, the ski mask is an essential fashion accessory, just like the Kalashnikov assault rifle. The mask confers a sinister power, anonymity and a definite edge. The idea is that you don't know who is shooting at you from behind the ski mask, so you can't take revenge.

In Gaza the members of Hamas have stripped off their masks, because they are the victors. For months Hamas and its rival, Fatah, loyal to President Mahmoud Abbas, brawled for power in...

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