"It's like a big political Tsunami hitting the whole region," states Dr Iyad Saraj. "Ten years of failures have left many despondent with the political process."Jewish settlements are expanding, corruption is getting worse," despairs former Fatah supporter Omar Shaker. In comparison to Fatah, Hamas is seen as clean and honest. Despite its involvement in violence, its elevation to a legitimate, elected political party could be the start of a new direction for the region. As Ariel Sharon's former security advisor states: "These gentlemen are serious people. We can have common ground."