BBC NEWS: HAMAS AND FATAH MEET IN EGYPT TO SEARCH FOR COMMON GROUND

Leaders of the rival political factions Hamas and Fatah have opened reconciliation talks with the goal of creating a unity government for all Palestinians.  The two sides agreed to release detainees and vow not to attack each other in the media.  Solving this rift is necessary for any hope of successful negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis.  Hamas continues to be a strain on this unity because they refuse to recognize Israel.  Therefore, when the US, EU, or Israel wants to negotiate with a united Palestinian delegation they cannot because of the presence of a radical group like Hamas.  The fundamental difference between Fatah and Hamas is their approach towards Israel.  Fatah has renounced violance while Hamas reserves its right to fight Israel. 

Question to the Blogosphere:  What are the pros and cons of including Hamas in the Palestinian delegation?  It is possible to find enough common ground between Fatah and Hamas to be able to successfully negotiate with Israel without Israel leaving the table?  What concessions to do you think Fatah and Hamas are willing to make in order to reach a solution?  What do you think is the core impasse facing the Palestinians in their search for common ground?