After the victory of Hamas in last week's Palestinian legislative elections, world leaders are struggling to define their positions with respect to dealing with the organization.

President George W. Bush, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and acting Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert were among those who called on Hamas to renounce violence, disarm its militias and recognize Israel's legitimacy.

According to a Jan. 30 New York Times article, Rice said that she, and others in the Bush administration, underestimated the power and popularity of Hamas.

Once again, the U.S. government lacked the foresight to predict with any degree of correctness what a population wants.

And once again, the U.S. felt the need to spread a domineering sense of democracy, in an effort to flex its hegemonic muscle, without considering the possible side effects.

But it would appear as though that's the extent of U.S. foreign policy. Why bother with accuracy when the strength of wealth and military might is behind you?

In light of Hamas's victory, the U.S. and the European Union have said they will not negotiate with a terrorist organization.

But perhaps the U.S. is once again shooting itself in the foot.

Though hardlining may be necessary in foreign policy, the U.S. will have to deal with the newly elected government in some capacity if the world is to move toward peace.

But what effects will such statements have on an organization that has killed hundreds of Israelis in suicide bombings and wants to subsequently destroy Israel in its entirety?

One thing is certain: Palestinians have demonstrated their discontent with the status quo by brandishing an assortment of weapons and rallying in the street in the election's aftermath.

In theory, to say that all Palestinians who voted for Hamas support terrorism would be just as inaccurate as saying that all Americans who voted for Bush in 2004 support the privatization of social security.

The Palestinians were free to choose their representatives, and now the rest of the world must learn how to effectively work with Hamas if it hopes to achieve peace in the Middle East.