Missed opportunities

Hamas chief Khaled Meshal was in Egypt yesterday, meeting with Omar Suleiman, the chief of Egypt's intelligence services.

The intra-Palestinian violence has always hurt the Palestinian cause. It gives ammunition to critics who say Israel shouldn't make concessions to a government that's incapable of governing its own territory.

And I have to believe Suleiman delivered that message to Meshal. Hamas and Fatah have an opportunity to make real progress here, with Obama (seemingly) taking a firm approach to Israel. They'll miss that opportunity, though, if they can't stop killing each other.

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Talking to Hamas

The settlement issue really seems to be the prime mover here. If the U.S. can convince Israel to accept a settlement freeze, there's a reasonable chance that Meshal will come to the table and negotiate.

Numero uno

Foreign Policy rates the top Middle Eastern intelligence chiefs. Omar Suleiman comes in #1. Mossad's Meir Dagan has to settle for the #2 spot.

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