Whether one agrees with the notion of the U.S. opening a direct diplomatic channel to Hamas or not, talking about it right now is very poor timing. If nothing else it makes it appear that Hamas is being rewarded for its behavior in the past month. As well, discussing recognizing Hamas this way could have a negative effect on the ongoing negotiations over the fighting in Gaza. The Israelis have every right to be annoyed, or worse. What are these Obama leakers thinking? Amateur hour continues, as John Roche used to say.