Would there even be a Hamas today if...

[vssmith]

The Israelis had agreed to a two state solution and stopped the settlements back in the 1970's.

[el_bryanto]

1. Depressingly, I think there would be

But I don't think they would have the influence they have. Those who are in favor of Israel beating the crap out of the Palestinians are probably correct that some Palestinians are never going to want peace with Israel. There's too much bad blood set up by the creation of Israel.

That said I think that a two state solution in which the Palestinians had a secure area to live in without harassment would make Hamas considerably smaller and less influential - more like white supremacist groups in the US - they exist, but they don't have much support.

Bryant

[COLGATE4]

3. Right on the money! nt

[vssmith]

2. Probably correct

It would be noticeably better as you aver.