Hamas and Fatah Sing the Same Old Song

The possibility of reconciliation between the two main Palestinian political parties, Hamas and Fatah, is among the most tired refrains in Middle Eastern politics. The two political groups reached a tense impasse in 2007 over how to govern the Palestinian territories, and they have since met almost annually to tackle their differences. Rarely, however, have they achieved lasting results. On Oct. 3, they will meet once again in a Palestinian Cabinet meeting. And while history suggests that familiar barriers may continue to stymie progress, the pressure driving both parties to the table is stronger than in the past, and there are already indications that negotiations will start off strong....