It is understandable that the United States does not want to recognize Hamas as a political entity, especially as it is still active in its violence against Israelis. Recognition of the group as a political force by the United States gives the group legitimacy and may send the message that its terrorist tactics have been fruitful. The Bush administration?s reaction is thereby entirely understandable.

However, with the dynamics and the accelerated pace of change in Israel and the Palestinian territories in recent months providing a glimmer of hope for ending the five-year long Intifada, the position may not be durable in the long-run.