Another Week for Alan

Give it a couple more days. As I predicted, Hamas seems pretty determined to polish it's public image and see releasing Alan Johnston as a great way to ensure that the liberal media will continue to mislead its readers. I can already see the British journalist and academic who voted to boycott israel saying -"After all, they did let Johnston go, they couldn't be that bad could they?"

In fact, they are so desperate to solidify their hold on Gaza and so anxious for good press that they have even allegedly offered Israel a 10 year truce (hudna). Here is the latest from the JPost:

"Since last Saturday, the sources said, dozens of Hamas militiamen have been surrounding the area where the Dughmush clan lives in Gaza City's Sabra neighborhood. Hamas has warned that it will use force unless Johnston is freed
by Monday. ..."."

Of course this is all preceded by acts of carnage that are meant to drive home a point:

"On Wednesday, a member of the clan, Munir Dughmush, was shot by unknown gunmen in Gaza City's Zeitoun neighborhood. His killing raised fears that the clan might try to kidnap another foreigner."

Of course the logic is impeccable.

Good News for Alan Johnston

The Hamas takeover of Gaza is good news for Alan Johnston. In fact, I predict that he will be released within a week. Hamas need good will and good press and hence it is a good for business if they let Johnston go in the next few days. Let's wait and see.

Of course, the Guardian feels otherwise. See this article.