Hamas Sticks to a Tough Line

[barb162]

http://www.themoscowtimes.com/stories/2006/03/06/003.html

Monday, March 6, 2006. Issue 3365. Page 1.
Hamas Sticks to a Tough Line

Combined Reports

Hamas leaders refused to renounce violence or recognize Israel during a weekend visit to Moscow, but they did make potentially significant concessions by extending a cease-fire and hinting that the militant group might soften its stance if and when Israel withdraws to pre-1967 borders.

snip

In an apparent attempt to avoid further damaging relations with Israel, Putin decided against meeting with the Hamas delegation, which took a sightseeing tour of the Kremlin on Sunday.
snip

Lavrov said the Hamas leadership had agreed to allow international officials to monitor their budget funding. Russia also agreed to provide $10 million in financial aid to the Palestinian Authority, but put a hold on delivery of several military transportation helicopters and 50 armored personnel carriers, making it conditional on Israel's consent, Kommersant reported.

The United States said Friday that Russia put Hamas on notice that it must renounce terrorism and accept Israel to succeed in governing the Palestinian territories.


snip
(MT, AP, Reuters)

[rucky]

1. They've gotten this far on that platform...

why change now?

:shrug:

[cliss]

2. The US has taught them.....

if you stick by your guns and refuse to back down, the US will eventually cave. Hopefully hold your hand out, and they will accomodate you. India learned this trick, so has Pakistan, Uzbekistan and many other countries.

We are completely arbitrary when it comes to "enforcing" the "rules", so it just comes down to the Flavor of the Month with the US.