Hamas Wins Free Democratic Elections in Palestine

This is actually a good thing.

Think about it.

Now they have to do all the things that normal governments do. They have to make sure the buses and trains run on time. They have to get the garbage picked up and make sure the sewers drain. They have to handle normal everyday crime. They have to deal with business interests.

True "hating Israel" is on their agenda, but if the above aren't dealt with the people on the street won't be restful.

And...and...if they continue their terrorist ways as regards Israel...well, its much harder to hide and be a furtive, secretive terrorist organization if you are in control of the country. The Israelis are going to know where to hit and hit hard, when the time comes.

It's not like Hamas is in Iran where they are insular and could have years to consolidate power. They are in Palestine. Largely open. Porous borders. Natives scattered all over the Middle East. Their greatest enemy, Israel, just a stone's throw away. Palestine.

And the next time peace negotiations start up in the Middle East, one of the purveyors of anger will actually be at the table on the Palestinian side, because realistically, once the PLO and Fatah got into power and distanced itself from its past, it could negotiate all it wanted, but it wasn't able to speak for all Palestinians.

So congratulations Hamas. Welcome to the world stage. Now your organization will either grow into a genuine political force or you'll stagnate and disappear in the next elections because you won't be able to...make the buses and trains run on time, control crime and the sewers, and get the garbage picked up.

Welcome to what it really means to be in charge.