In such a region," he said, "the only thing that ensures our existence, security and prosperity is our strength." EFTA00686998 Mr. Abbas and Mr. Meshal announced their agreement on Monday in Doha, the capital of Qatar. Hamas has had to leave its longtime base in Damascus, the Syrian capital, becaus

Mr. Abbas that he could have peace with Israel or unity with Hamas, but not both. The agreement between Mr. Abbas, the leader of Fatah, and Khaled Meshal, the head of Hamas, was yet another convulsion in the Middle East involving the rise of political Islam and the challenge it poses to pro-Western f

ubarak of Egypt resigns. 15 March 2011 Beginning of the Syrian uprising. 4 May 2011 In Cairo, Palestinian Authority President Abbas and Hamas leader Meshal sign a reconciliation agreement, which calls, inter alia, for elections in 2012. 29 July 2011 Formation of the Free Syrian Army (FSA). 2 September

at the New America Foundation. HOUSE_OVERSIGHT_023536 --- PAGE BREAK --- 21 Article 6. Asharg Al-Awsat Hamas' Gaza strongman criticizes Khalid Meshal 25 May 2011 -- Differences and clashes within the Hamas movement have come to light for the first time, with Hamas senior figures verbally sparring

In July, former Hamas leader Khaled Meshal met Egypt's new President in Cairo. "We have entered a new era in Palestine's relationship with Egypt," Meshal said after the meeting. "We were happy with what we heard from President Mohamed Morsi and his vision to handle all these issues." Israel has been

decision, it is worth noting that the majority of its external political staff has already evacuated Damascus, where it has a key office managed by Meshal. Their next destination is likely to be Cairo and Doha, where leaders there have committed to sponsoring the movement politically and financially.