* Newsweek examines fears that Hamas will gain international legitimacy by participating in elections—without changing its goal of destroying Israel.
* A childhood friend of Osama bin Laden laments Arab media lies. Published in the Saudi-based Arab News. (Hat tip: Daily Alert)
* The Guardian reports that Egyptian mediation in Gaza is part of a bid to blunt Hamas’ electoral success. When things go wrong, Israel and the US will be the ones blamed for interfering in Palestinian affairs. Is this deja vu all over again?
* The Chicago Tribune published a sensitive, thoughtful commentary wondering about the Muslim outrage over the Koran desecration allegations.
