Thus, runs the theory, Mr Abbas will reap the praise for a better life in the West Bank, while Gazans' well-being will be at the mercy of a now-isolated Hamas.

ECONOMIST: From now on, the Palestinians are not themselves

While the star of Arab nationalism has fallen everywhere, among the Palestinians in the West Bank it is still alive, kept on life support by international aid, the Israeli military, and an unquantifiable sense of dread at the prospect of a Hamas takeover.

FORBES: Why Hasn't There Been Another Palestinian Intifada?

Next door, in the West Bank, some Palestinians are living the high life in Ramallah.

CNN: This month on Inside the Middle East