There's an interesting interview with Khaled Meshal in the New York Times today. Apparently this is Hamas trying to "reach out" to western audiences. Can you tell that Hamas lacks the PR skills that the Israelis have? Meshal can make a great point one minute:
Regarding recognition of Israel, Mr. Meshal said the Palestinian leader Yasir Arafat and Mr. Abbas had granted such recognition, but to no avail. “Did that recognition lead to an end of the occupation? It’s just a pretext by the United States and Israel to escape dealing with the real issue and to throw the ball into the Arab and Palestinian court,” he said.
Only to also cite the "Protocols of the Elders of Zion" as fact (according to the article). Or engage in a discussion over the "long-term"/10 year cease-fire (hudna) with Israel that would follow an Israeli withdrawal to the 1967 borders. Meshal is trying to make concessions ('67 borders) while simultaneously playing to his base (only a 10 year ceasefire). It doesn't come off very well and frankly, he's in a no win situation. Which makes me wonder why Hamas would want to do an interview now anyway?
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