The problem is not that Hamas will not recognize Israel. The problem is that Hamas cannot recognize Israel.

Political parties are in the business of making compromises. Extremist theological movements are not. And Hamas is still much more the latter than the former

It is naïve for Americans, Europeans and Israelis to believe they can make Hamas leaders change their deeply held religious beliefs. But calculations of self-interest will affect their behavior.

To govern is to choose. An international community that respects Palestinians will allow them to choose — and to accept responsibility for their choices. It will not treat them like infants, attempting to protect them from the consequences of their decisions (including their decision to elect Hamas). It also will guarantee that when Palestinians are ready to make different choices, they have the freedom to do so.

My Scripps Howard column on this theme is here.