JIHADIST GROUPS FILL A PALESTINIAN POWER VACUUM

As violence continues in Lebanon and Gaza (New York Times). From the article: Bush administration officials say they are increasingly concerned that Hamas and even more radical groups may be hijacking the Palestinian movement. The officials say they see no operational connection between what is happening in Palestinian camps in Lebanon and the deterioration in Gaza. But they say they do see an ideological link, with hopeless and marginalized young people turning to jihad because they believe that more secular or moderate options have failed them. And in case you missed it, Jeff Jacoby takes “A Look at the Good—and the Bad—for U.S. Muslims.”