Buoyed by 'Islamic Spring,' Hamas considers new direction ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Christian Science Monitor by Joshua Mitnick - January 22, 2012 - 1:00am Hebron, West Bank Hamas’ political chief is stepping down after nearly 16 years, leaving the militant Palestinian group with a potential leadership battle just as Islamist allies elsewhere in the Middle East are enjoying momentum from election victories. Khaled Meshal, who headed Hamas’ headquarters in Damascus, recently informed the group’s leadership council that he won’t stand for reelection, said a Hamas spokesperson in Gaza. It is unclear exactly why Mr. Meshal is choosing to step aside and who is likely to succeed him. » Read more

Hamas Says That Its Political Leader Does Not Plan to Seek Re-election ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The New York Times by Fares Akram - January 21, 2012 - 1:00am GAZA — The Palestinian militant group Hamas announced Saturday that its political leader, Khaled Meshal, would not seek re-election, opening the door to a possible leadership contest and adding to the uncertainty enveloping Hamas at a time of regional turmoil. » Read more