Hamas’s Real Enemies
Virtually all Arab states – other than Iran’s ally, Syria – and the Fatah-led Palestinian Authority want Hamas to be defeated in the Gaza Strip. Given their self-interest in thwarting Islamist revolutionary groups, especially those aligned with Iran, few leaders are inclined to listen to the “Arab street” – which in any case is far quieter now than during previous conflicts with Israel.
JERUSALEM – In Iran, elements from within the regime are reportedly offering a $1 million reward for the assassination of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak because of his opposition to Hamas in the Gaza Strip. In Lebanon, the leader of Hezbollah, backed by Iran and Syria, merely calls for the Egyptian government’s overthrow.