But still, the EU and the US say she should, even though the US recognizes that Hamas is a terrorist organization.

Why is anyone surprised at this? Rice’s mentor, Dejirian is Baker’s right hand and she is just resurrecting Baker’s policy for the region.

Of course all this blather just portrays the Bush Administration in an even poorer light as it just encourages the extremism in Iraq and the Palestinian areas. The State Department cannot get it into its thick skull that the people of the region only understand tough action and not contradictory statements, especially when delivered by women, and infidels at that.
If an Arab treats his woman worse than his camel can one imagine taking advice from one?