Palestine was hit with a powerful political Tsunami which has the promise of dramatically changing the Middle East and beyond. This is the first time ever that an Islamic movement rises to power in the Arab world and in very peaceful and clean democratic elections. The religion part contribution to victory was not more than 15%, the rest was a beating vote against the Authorities and Fatah for their dismal record on all fronts and a defiant call against the Israeli occupation and the American policies.

The fight was between Hamas and Fatah with extreme polarisation. The rest of competitors were almost neglected. Many big names in all local constituencies lost their seats. Barghouti who was sure of winning 12 seats got only 2 and Hanan Ashrawi list won only two seats. My list did not score much as expected any way. But the crushing defeat of Fatah has made other losses incomparable.

Hamas now is challenged by its history in order to enter the future. I believe they have some smart people who will help them climb down the tree. Fatah finds it so difficult to swallow. Hamas as every body else appears bewildered and unprepared. I was in a meeting with president Abbass three days ago and he was unsure what to do. I told him that he will be remembered in history for insisting on democracy and make the elections happen. I also told him that he needs to have a serious dialogue with Hamas and to respect the people vote and that even if the vote was to punish Fatah, we should not punish people by letting Hamas run into disaster.

Fatah is in turmoil now. Many blame Abbass for not postponing elections to give time to Fatah to organize itself. Fatah went first with two competing lists, then they united into one list but many Fatah ran as independents against officially nominated Fatah members in the districts. It is in the districts that Hamas scooped the many seats, 46 out of 66. This could be the beginning of the end for Fatah.

If Hamas succeeds in running the country and negotiate peace then the next ten years will see the Arab world ruled by Islamic governments. Hamas is agonizing over the issue of recognizing Israel and renouncing violence but I think they will do with time. This is a historical moment for the Islamic movement and an opportunity they don’t want to miss up. They declared that they want a national coalition government but so far it is not clear who will join their cabinet. Their leader in Damascus declared yesterday that they will respect all agreements of the PNA. Zahhar said today on an Arab channel that America is not our enemy and she holds the key to peace in the Middle East!

On the other hand, the Israeli government will be happy if Hamas is not changing because this will give Israel the justification to continue on what Sharon started of unilateralism which means they can grab land and give nothing to the Palestinians who are not considered by Israel as partners to peace!

The declared Hamas positions of not recognizing Israel and refusal to surrendering arms strike well in the hearts and minds of the masses who believe that Israel should first recognise the Palestinian rights and to end the occupation of the Arab land. Indeed if it was not for the Israeli occupation there would be no Hamas or armed resistance.

The Americans are confounded with the Hamas victory. May be they thought that having Hamas in the parliament and government as part of the coalition would be a good show case for democracy and a way of containing moderate Islamists, but never wanted to have them so victorious.

Big crisis need smart people. This is a crucial test not only for Hamas but for all the regional and international players. Hamas could be advised to declare its commitment to the Arab Peace Initiative which calls for mutual recognition of Israel and full relationship conditional on Israeli withdrawal from all occupied Arab land. Hamas could also form a cabinet of technocrats, and gives Abbas the mandate of foreign policy while she restructures and rehabilitates the Palestinian Authorities. Europe, the US and Israel should reconsider their positions which have never been seen seriously favouring rights and justice but rather supporting the brute power of the Israeli occupation. History has not ended when Fukuyama said so. Indeed the rise of Hamas to power in Palestine could be the beginning of a new chapter in history.