Ballots rock the Mideast

Palestinian voters were not crazy when they roughly replaced the long-ruling Fatah Party with the militant group Hamas. In the finest democratic tradition, they threw the arrogant, thieving rascals out.

By all accounts, the election was open, honest and fair. More than 70 percent of eligible voters turned out to get rid of the regime associated with graft, corruption and lawlessness in Palestinian towns. In a universal application of "all politics is local," Palestinians voted in an alternative that has opened schools and medical clinics in the midst of chaos. Hamas was awarded 76 of the 132 seats in Parliament, a complete repudiation of Fatah and the remnants of Yasser Arafat's ineffectual but nostalgic political legacy. The secure margin sets up extraordinary expectations for performance.

International leaders were as dumbfounded as Fatah at the outcome. Hamas had marginalized itself by word and deed, so no one gave it any credence except Palestinians desperate for an option and a fresh start.

No one may be more off balance than Hamas leadership. They are in charge; they must deliver.

Holding real power can be a sobering, moderating influence. Hamas is ripe to be nudged and cajoled toward the center, away from a history of murderous rhetoric and bloody deeds.

It has authority and a constituency that expects results.

Hamas may resist disarming as it looks over its shoulder at Fatah. Hamas might proclaim Israel's right to exist right after Saudi Arabia does. But a Hamas chastened by responsibility is likely to sustain its nearly year-old cease-fire with Israel. Will Hamas negotiate with Israel in public? No sooner than Israel would.

Grant Hamas the benefit of the doubt. That is the inherent optimism of diplomacy. A cautious, incredulous world community must help Palestinians get the most out of its embrace of democracy.