Carter Meets Hamas Chief Despite Israeli, White House Objections

The Bush Administration and Israeli government have been trying to isolate Hamas, despite its success in Palestinian elections and control of the Gaza Strip. Today, thirty years after brokering the peace between Israel and Egypt, former President Jimmy Carter met with exiled Hamas leader Khaled Meshall in Damascus, Syria, in one of the highest-profile encounters between Hamas and a western leader. Reuters says Carter feels optimistic about the possible release of Yigal Shalit, the Israeli soldier being held by Hamas. Ori Nir is a spokesman for Americans for Peace Now.