Hamas' popularity has surged - they're there to stay

. . . and as this story from the Financial Times suggests, the Israeli public ought to be reassessing the impact of "Operation Cast Lead" on Palestinian opinion. Hamas seems to have gained significantly in terms of its status and popularity. Meanwhile, Mr. Abbas is reportedly in Turkey for talks - but one has to ask, what possible point is there in talks with someone who has no real leverage, nothing that he can "deliver"?

FT.com / Middle East / Politics & Society - Gaza offensive boosted Hamas, poll concludes