The long elusive rapprochement between the Fatah and Hamas factions that was announced in Cairo on Wednesday potentially removes the major obstacle to the establishment of a Palestinian state. The bifurcation of the Palestinian people both geographically and politically has made the establishment of a state unrealistic. But even with the announcement that a deal has been reached, the Hamas insistence that peace with Israel is not in the offing fails to address preconditions set by Western nations for recognizing a state [recognition of Israel; forswearing violence; and recognizing agreements signed by previous governments] and threatens to extend Hamas’ isolation to the Fatah-led Palestinian Authority. Israeli leaders are voicing fear that Hamas will prove the more powerful partner and quickly take-over the West Bank as they did the Gaza Strip. Because Hamas is listed as a terrorist entity by the American government, extending recognition to the unity government is precluded by law. How that will effect overall relations with the Palestinians becomes a major quandary for the U.S., which is facing the possibility of having to cut all foreign aid to the Palestinians. The agreement will be signed over the weekend followed by talks to set up a unity government.