US GOING SOFT ON HAMAS

Reluctant U.S. Shows Signs of Shift on Hamas - Adam Entous
The Bush administration is showing signs of easing its hard-line approach toward Hamas, in response to the militant group's rising political clout in the Palestinian territories and appeals for flexibility from European allies, officials and diplomats said. The White House acceded to Hamas running candidates in Palestinian elections, even though the group has refused to disarm and Washington lists it as a major terrorist organization. Senior administration officials said they may be open to contacts with some of Hamas's political affiliates, and would not rule out dealings with the group if it gave up its weapons and ended violence.

The White House said President Bush has not changed his view that Hamas is a terrorist group that must be disarmed. "We're not acquiescing," a senior administration official said. "We do not deal with...terrorists." But the official added: "How do you pursue this without limiting democratic choices?" Another senior official called it a shift in emphasis, not policy. It could be reversed if Hamas-sponsored violence escalated, experts said. (Reuters)