Hamas has long been the most radical fringe of the Palastinian movement, the ones that believe there can be no Jewish state at all. They draw upon religion doctrines that hold that the only valid governments are Muslims ones. That no place under Muslim law can be allowed to leave it and so on.

The bit about Jews living peacfully in Palastine after the Muslims take over is a long standing bit. Some of the religious and more fanatical ones may even believe it, thinking they can just stop the violence by command after forming a state. Anybody with a decent grasp of history can guess how well that would work.

The only really interesting parts about this is that Isreal is ignoring the leadership of Hamas while hammering Arafat. And at the same time, driving Arafat's group and Hamas to work together.

I'm almost but not quite cynical enough to think Sharon is doing it intentionally. It strikes me as more likely though that Sharon is intentionally destroying Arafat's ability to act as a 'moderate' leader, insuring that there will be no organized group for them to negotiate with.

Jay