An Indian professor of Israeli politics explains why Hamas won and offers an analysis of the near future for the Palestinians.

At least in the short run, the Hamas-led PNA will be tied down to reinventing itself as a responsible political force that is both willing and capable of reaching a political settlement with Israel. The task is rather Herculean, and Hamas is a novice when it comes to negotiated politics. The Palestinians have spoken. It is now up for Hamas to transform itself from a militant organization into a political force that is capable of reaching peace. The transition from militancy to governance will be hard and painful.