BUSH WON'T OPPOSE HAMAS TAKE OVER OF GAZA

White House Seems Ready to Let Hamas Seize Gaza - Helene Cooper
Bush administration officials said Thursday they had been discussing the idea of largely acquiescing in the takeover of Gaza by Hamas and trying instead to help Fatah's Mahmoud Abbas retain control in the West Bank. The U.S. had quietly encouraged Abbas to dissolve the Palestinian government and dismiss Prime Minister Haniyeh, steps that Abbas announced Thursday. Before the announcement, Secretary of State Rice telephoned Abbas to reiterate American support for the move. (New York Times)