Even the most confirmed of optimists might have a difficult time finding a truly bright side to recent events in the Middle East. Our government steadfastly declares its commitment to freedom and democracy and yet the pendulum does not seem to be swinging in that direction. We are not alone in this dilemma.

Most disturbing of late was the Palestinian election where many observers expected moderate forces to establish a big majority against Hamas, the militant Islamism movement. However, Hamas won big. That may have surprised even its practitioners, who proved they could win but have yet to show they can or will operate in peaceful and productive ways.

Hamas has conducted one suicide bombing after another against Israel, a country the group’s charter is aimed toward destroying. Apologists for the outcome say that the vote was designed more to penalize the corrupt and incompetent Fatah group. Early evidence doesn’t support hopes that Hamas will perform in new and more civil ways.

Can Hamas handle the responsibility that has been handed to it and its leaders? What happens with this mandate?

The Financial Times of London, much closer to the scene than Americans, admits it may be easier for Europeans than the United States to take the lead in getting Hamas on the proper track, as Europeans seem to have done in Iran. Concludes the Financial Times:

“Short-term, Hamas must extend its truce. It must also formally forswear attacks on civilians. It is not essential it recognizes Israel; the Irish constitution did not recognize British jurisdiction over Northern Ireland for 60 years. What is essential is that Hamas behaves as a responsible government.

“By the same token, the U.S. and close allies such as the United Kingdom should stop deferring to the unilateralism whereby Israel is setting new borders to an enlarged state. That voided Fatah’s last plausible claim to power; its own ability to negotiate a solution to the occupation. Hamas too faces a dilemma: whether to govern or to fight. Let’s not make it easy for them.”

Heavy inroads have been made in recent months in the Middle East by Islam revivalists. Those results demand that the United States, Britain and all of Europe take firm and decisive steps that ultimately will determine whether these new forces will adopt a “kill or cure” approach to international affairs.