From Mahmoud Abbas to Mahmoud Hamas

The inauguration of the new Palestinian parliament signifies the official entrance of the Palestinian political system into the era of Hamastan. Attempts to strengthen Mahmoud Abbas as if there were no Hamas are a hopeless undertaking. The Palestinian political system forces the PA chairman to be aligned with the legislative council. Hamas will be able to forcefully veto any move it disagrees with. Thus any policy of strengthening Abbas ignores the fact that the center of gravity resides with Hamas, and Abbas will be no more than a middleman. Mahmoud Abbas has become Mahmoud Hamas.