yea, this whole situation with Hamas taking over Gaza may push things closer to the edge in the Middle East.
Just announced this morning that Egypt is hosting a peace conference with Israel, Palestinians (Abbas and co.) and Jordan, with the intent to isolate Hamas. Given enough support, particularly from Arabs, Israel may decide to go on the offensive in Gaza. In fact, the new defense minister, Barak has already hinted the an offensive is being planned (something like 3 divisions of IDF).
If the IDF goes into Gaza full force, it may force the hands of Syria and Iran (Hamas sponsors), which could lead to a showdown. There are some similarities with last summers war against Hizbullah. It was only after the IDF went on the offensive against Hamas to retrieve Shilat that Hizbullah sprung into action, thus kicking off the war. History repeats itself . . .
- Yes, I think Mubarek and other Middle Eastern despots recognize that Hamas is the tool of Iran in it’s attempt to radicalize the entire region. With Hamas now in Gaza, they are getting uncomfortably close to Egypt’s border and they could start to cause trouble for Mubarek at home. When Bush announced his plan to try and democratize the region, it’s obvious that Hamas was set up to try and resist the attempt.