In the days before every round of re-unification talks, the Arabic newspapers are always hopeful, with articles saying that the differences between the two sides have narrowed considerably and that there are only one or two minor issues that need to be worked out.
And in the days after every round, we read articles like this one in (pro-Fatah) Palestine Press Agency quoting Azzam al-Ahmad, head of the Fatah delegation as saying that the negotiations in Damascus were a "waste of time" and complaining that Iran was interfering with the process.
He said "I personally conclude that [Hamas] are not ready for reconciliation...[they] do not have the will."
Their next round will take place after Eid al Adha.
