Despite being characterized as a transparent and truly credible election the results of which reflect the real choice of the people, it seems that pro-democracy and pro-peace personalities inside and outside of Palestine perceive the implications as contrary. Hamas is a "Palestinian group seeking to create a single, Islamic state in historic Palestine, which is now largely divided between Israel and the Israeli-occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip. Hamas, meaning "zeal" or "fervor" in Arabic, is an acronym for Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiyya, or Islamic Resistance Movement. The group was founded in 1988 as a militant wing of the Muslim Brotherhood, a regional organization that advocates an increased role of Islam in government and society and rejects Western cultural and political influence. Because of its terrorist activities, Hamas was banned by Israel in 1989." Since then, Hamas has always been recognized as an extremely radical group, seen as a threat to the groundwork laid for peace in the region and perhaps in the Middle East as a whole. Hamas’ triumph is sure to revive many issues relative to peace, stability, and democratic reforms in the Middle East.

However, although admittedly responsible for terroristic pursuits (including 60 suicide bombings in Israel since Palestinian upheaval began in 2000), the other sphere of Hamas’ operations involve social programs like building schools, hospitals, and religious institutions. Their victory in the last election, to a large extent, is attributed to their work in this sphere, especially their charity networks in the Gaza Strip and West Bank that made them more popular even among those who do not share their ideological, political, or religious views. There was likewise much discontent over the inefficiency of the former Fatah leadership as it failed to uproot corruption in government and fell short in its efforts to achieve Palestinian statehood. "More than anything, this was a vote for change, and Hamas was the alternative. Beyond Fatah’s corruption, there was also the fact that Fathah’s way of doing things had gained the Palestinians nothing in their dealings with Israel. From the Palestinian point of view, the politics of Fatah failed to produce results, so why not give Hamas a chance?" (Hamas Victory by Mitchell Plitnick – Jewish Voice for Peace – February 1, 2006).

As they assume their new political echelon, Hamas politicians are expected to face a different set of realities – a new set of challenges that would entail efforts extending far beyond the boundaries of Palestine and transcending their ideological framework. Each move is crucial as observers within and outside of Palestine are expectant of a new approach to address the issues that the past administration had failed to clearly resolve. "The first big step will be an orderly transfer of power. If they can do it, Palestinians can at least hope for national unity." (Hamas Win Heralds New Reality by Jeremy BowenJanuary 27, 2006). Even days after their election, and even if it seems still unclear how the new government by the Hamas group would shape up, the world community (led by US, EU and Russia) has been very vocal in their stand as regards the peace agenda in the Middle East and how they expect the new Palestinian government leaders to play their part in the process. "The US and EU have announced they will boycott Hamas in government unless and until it renounces violence, disbands its militia and recognizes Israel. Israel, too, is likely to adopt a similar approach." (Hard Questions, Tough Answers by Yossi Alpher – January 30, 2006). The Hamas are at a crossroad, according to British Prime Minister Tony Blair, as they decide to take either "a path of democracy or a path of violence" in order to carry out their mandate from the Palestinian people. The Swedish government had also stated that it is Sweden’s precondition that Hamas "radically change its politics, otherwise, Sweden and EU cannot cooperate with the incoming Palestine government." Russia, on the other hand, declared that it can only cooperate with Palestinian authorities who detest force.

If we were to look upon this recent development in Palestine from a standpoint that considers how democracy can become a vital agent of change, it may be said that the election of Hamas in government was a positive development in the Middle East in the sense that it clearly describes democracy – the voice of the people – heard and at work, unlike other, monarchial states in the region. In addition to this, the rise to power of the Hamas group as the majority in Palestine’s parliament can be an opportunity to bridge existing differences with the Fatah party (as Fatah Chief President Mahmoud Abbas remains Palestine’s president), thereby making a headway towards a unified Palestine and peaceful relations with Israel and the rest of the world. The group had earlier signified interest in creating a coalition with the Fatah party, which for many is a sign that indeed, "Hamas has become more adaptable to new circumstances and more open to new ways of doing things than it had been five years ago." Many believe that as an offshoot of this victory, the Hamas group will have to proceed with their agenda in a more moderate and cautious way. Otherwise, they might cause the Palestinian people greater harm than good. Perceived to be a group that is more in touch with the "people of the streets" – knowing their true grievances and their real needs – Hamas are believed to be better participants in the peace negotiating table, thus increasing the chances of Palestine and Israel co-existing harmoniously and gradually achieving peace in the region. It should be noted that with their victory in the elections, the Hamas group is surely to exert great influence on the Palestinian Liberal Organization (PLO) which in turn can be another opportunity for peace negotiations to open up between the new Hamas-led government and Israel (as the latter recognizes the PLO instead of the Palestinian Authority as its counterpart in the peace talks).

In the coming days, as the so-called "Quartet" (US, UN, EU, and Russia), Israel, and the rest of the world wait for the new Hamas-led Palestinian government’s next move, it is important to note that amidst whatever discord, the ultimate consideration should be the lives and welfare of the civilians caught in between. Beyond Iraq, nuclear ambitious Iran, and Syria, world attention is now focused on Hamas. By entering a democratic process, Hamas is now responsible for their people’s long standing desire for statehood and a better life. Violence failed to achieve said goals. While the free world watches with suspended judgment on how democracy’s latest offspring would evolve – we can only hope that one people’s aspirations would eventually nurture genuine peace. (e-mail address: myrfnt@yahoo.com)