"Many people in Afghanistan, who have witnessed the atrocities committed by some warlords, will support Malalai in her "fight" against warlords. But will Malalai and her other sympathizers succeed in fighting these powerful warlords?"

"There is hope for peace, based not on Palestinian weakness and despair, but on Palestinian resolve, strength, and resilience despite the greatest of odds."

"Since Hamas has now come out in solidarity with Iran--that country being all that probably prevents Israel from kicking out the Palestinians out once and for all--a revolution in that country or an attack on it could give Israeli hard liners the long awaited pretext for "ethnic cleansing" of the West Bank and East Jerusalem."

"Independence is not a piece of paper, or even a political description of a people’s political status or condition. It is a frame of mind, an attitude, and a courageous way of living that nothing can diminish in the hearts of those who really are free."

"Gradually, the tone will change. Both sides, and the Americans, too, will climb down from the tall tree. Hamas will state that it is ready for negotiations and find some religious basis for this."

"Western governments used to believe that free and fair elections provided absolute legitimacy but then came the Palestinian elections and Hamas."

"Israel must negotiate with whatever Palestinian leadership is elected by the Palestinian people. As in every conflict throughout history, one does not elect the leadership of the opponent - first, because the opponent will not accept this, and, just as importantly, because an agreement made with such a leadership will not hold."

"Israel and the United States must consider what role they have played in Hamas’ victory. Israel has undermined Abbas’ power by disregarding its obligations under the Road Map and Sharm el-Sheikh understanding and by pursuing a policy of unilateralism, military might and territorial expansion. On its part, the United States allowed the weakening of Abbas and his government despite warnings that such action would push the Palestinian people to choose a different leadership."