An Israeli Attack Could Spark end to Palestinian Authority’s Grip by Karby Leggett, WSJ, Wednesday, 28 June 2006, p A4.

As I write this it appears Hamas is already backing down, and in my opinion, showing signs of weakness. Leggett points out that some sources indicate a re-invasion of Gaza in the next year is likely because Hamas is moving weapons into the area that are capable of reaching major Israeli cities. I agree.

The problem in Palestine, and with Hamas, is that they are still a disorganized government. Hamas could do some things, such as act like guerillas, before the election because that is exactly what they were. Their tactics, their methods, and even their strategy was exactly what you would expect from a group of terrorists. However, when they were elected as a “real” government, all of that changed. They now have to live by the rule-set that all governments live by. The problem is they can’t.

The reason the Hamas government can’t live by the international rule-set all other nations have to live by is the same reason we are not doing more, faster in Iraq. Hamas, like the insurgents in Iraq, are at best a quasi-government. There is no real control of them, they have now formal strategy, they have no formal structure. They are individuals and cells seemingly acting independently of each other and often at odds.

The Hamas government, as Leggett points out, can not pay government salaries. How then can they maintain control and credibility? The answer is, they can’t. How much longer will the government last? Who knows, but they seem to be killing any chance they have being a respectable, recognized government. And while some in the media will discuss the “brutality” of the Israelis, I remain amazed at their restraint.