For years, Iran has been funding Hamas to join Hezbollah to fight Israel. The situation in Syria has changed everything. Last month, Hamas publicly stated that it would be siding with the Syrian (Muslim Brotherhood) rebels against the Iranian-backed regime of Bashar al-Assad. This stance has all but pitted them against a now scorned Iran. It looks like Hamas’ leaders have decided to stick another thumb in the eye of Iran, saying that if there is a war between Iran and Israel, Hamas will stand down.

Via the BBC:

Leaders of the Palestinian Islamist movement, Hamas, say they will not help Iran militarily in any conflict between Israel and the Islamic Republic.

There is speculation in Israel that if it attacked Iran’s nuclear facilities, it could face rocket fire from Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Both are long-time allies of Iran.

But Mahmoud Zahhar, a senior leader of Hamas in Gaza, denied the group would get involved and told the BBC: “We are not part of any political axis.”

“If Israel attacks us we will respond. If they don’t, we will not get involved in any other regional conflict,” he added.

As the war in Syria escalates, look for a much more polarized relationship between Iran and Muslim Brotherhood groups, including but not limited to Hamas. If this polarization grows, look for it to move West and influence CAIR’s agenda.

h/t GMBDR