The Russian government?s invitation to Hamas for an official meeting in Moscow has set off intense reactions among its partners in the Quartet (US, UN, EU) and in Israel . Though both the European Union and United States have designated Hamas as a terrorist organization, President Putin of Russia has stated his country?s disagreement with that categorization. Operating in a self-envisioned role as mediator between the Islamic world and the West, Moscow views a future meeting with Hamas leaders as an opportunity to press the Quartet?s case: that the peace process is in the best interests of the Palestinian people. Hamas has gladly accepted Moscow?s invitation, eager to present their opinions on Israel?s occupation, and hopeful that their engagement with Russian leaders will stave off the potential curtailment of international aid.

Following Hamas? surprise victory in the Palestinian legislative elections (see WAR Report), the Quartet?which backs the ?road map? towards peace?issued a joint statement calling for Hamas? agreement on three key issues: that they will acknowledge Israel?s right to exist; that they will renounce the use of terrorism; and that they will abide by Israeli-Palestinian Authority agreements that form the framework of the peace process. Should Hamas fail to do so, the Quartet would not recognize the Hamas-led government as a viable peace partner, and the international aid that sustains the Palestinian government would likely be cut off. Though they have not yet formed an official government, Hamas leaders have shown no inclination to meet these requests. Given the circumstance, Russia?s subsequent invitation to Hamas leaders confounded fellow members of the Quartet. Thus far, the expressed concerns of US officials have been addressed by their Russian counterparts. Alexander Kalugin?Russia?s special envoy to the Middle East?has stated that any meeting will be centered on asking Hamas to change its position so that it is more in line with the Quartet parameters.