Conflict Blotter

Ellen Knickermeyer writes in today’s WaPo that Egyptian security forces have uncovered 75 percent fewer smuggling tunnels into Gaza since Hamas’ takeover there. Egypt border guards used to find four tunnels a week into Gaza, but since Hamas took charge they have uncovered just four, the Egyptian colonel told the Post.

Palestinian border guards, identified by Egyptian and U.S. officials as Hamas fighters, have shed the ski masks that Hamas fighters usually wear. They have adopted military-style short haircuts and wear dark T-shirts, changes that symbolize the group’s efforts to transform itself into a security force capable of bringing order to the rougher of the two Palestinian territories.

“They want to show in front of the world that they are nice, that they are in control,” Egyptian army Col. Amr Mamdouh said.

No doubt Hamas wants to show it can control Gaza, whether it be Qassam rockets, smuggling tunnels, or clan violence. And no doubt Hamas is interested right now in presenting its best and most moderate face to the world as it struggles for a measure of international recognition and legitimacy. I would, however, also assume that Hamas’ military commanders expect to face a broad Israeli offensive at some point in the future and I would be surprised if Hamas is not intent on continuing to stockpile arms in preparation for that future showdown. Those arms would have to come through those Gaza smuggling tunnels. Most likely, Hamas has simply calculated that now is not the time to risk aggravating the international community, especially the Egyptians, whose goodwill they seek more than any other outside power at this point.