Now that Hamas has taken over the Strip, it has decided to call for Alan Johnston's release. Good for them, I suppose. But with a nice little blogger accusing Israel of the kidnapping him, as they have the most to gain, I figure its now fair to accuse Hamas likewise. If indeed only a few days after Hamas gains control they are able to free him, it will a major p.r. boost for them. In fact, so much so that they will benefit immensely from it, perhaps even to the extent of being legitimized in the eyes of the West.

All conspiracy theories aside, Hamas probably didn't kidnap Johnston. However, I think they are well aware of what freeing him would mean. In fact, I think they would even be willing to free Shalit, to the Israelis that they are 'worth dealing with,' whatever it is that that means.

Hamas has a lot at stake in projecting an image of lawfulness- that was 'the reason' that Fatah was voted out, and Hamas in. I'm not convinced that Hamas officials are any more disciplined than Fatah ones, but that doesn't mean they wont be able to convince others for a while.

We'll just have to wait and see

Accusation of Israeli conspiracy-
http://alanhartdiary.blogspot.com/2007/04/if-alan-johnston-is-dead-who-really-was.html

Possible release of Shalit-
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1181813052783&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull