IN ISRAEL, WIDESPREAD POPULAR SUPPORT TO BRING MYRON COPE BACK TO BROADCAST SHOWDOWN WITH HAMAS
AMALLAH - Hamas, the militant Islamic party sworn to the destruction of Israel, beat heavy favorite Fatah in the Palestinian legislative elections today, setting off wild celebrations in downtown Ramallah. Police estimate thousands of Hamas fans poured out of taverns where they were watching election returns and into the streets. Many fans wore the officially licensed Hamas gear of their favorite candidate, and jostled for position in front of al-Jazeera television crews in an effort to show the Arab world that their party was "Number One." Spontaneous chants of "Here we go Hamas, Here we go!" were interspersed with sporadic gunfire, creating a festive atmosphere unlike anything this town has seen in centuries.
Speaking to reporters after the polls closed, Ahmed Mubarak exulted in his party's victory. "None of you people in this room gave us a chance," he said. "The only people that believed in us were us. And we went out and got the job done today."
Eight weeks ago, many people had written off Hamas. "We haven't been getting the respect we deserve," said Mubarak. "But we believed in each other." Mubarak said he was going to give his party the next two days off before resuming preparations for the big showdown with Israel. "They are a formidable opponent," he said. "If we want to beat them, we can't make any mistakes and we're going to have to execute."
In Israel, a groundswell of popular support is trying to enlist Myron Cope to return to the broadcast booth one last time to call the big showdown with Hamas.
