Hamas: A Beginner's GuideThe United States views Hamas as a terrorist organization. Yet, to the great surprise of many, Hamas swept to victory in the 2006 Palestinian Authority elections. Hames is now a democratically elected political party. This is the first beginner's guide to this controversial political organization. Explaining the reasons for Hamas's success, this book provides the key facts that are so often missing from conventional news reports. It's a one-stop guide that gives a clear overview of Hamas's history, key beliefs, and its political agenda. Written by a leading Al-Jazeera journalist and Cambridge academic, this unique book provides a refreshing perspective that gets to the heart of the reasons behind Hamas's victory. It provides a critical overview of Hamas's attitudes toward Israel, including religious beliefs and suicide bombings, its attitude toward the P.L.O., and its program of grassroots social work within Palestine. The reality of Hamas's victory means that the West will now have to engage with it more seriously if there is to be peace in the Middle East. This book provides the first essential step toward a better understanding of the challenges and surprises that the future may hold. |
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activities al-Qaeda Arab and Muslim Arab countries armed struggle Bank and Gaza change and reform Christians civilians confrontation democratic discourse Egypt Electoral platform enemy established European Union Fatah movement Fatah-led funds Gaza Strip goal groups Hamas leaders Hamas members Hamas supporters Hamas's government Hamas's political Hamas's victory Hamas's view Haniya hudna Iran Islamic Jihad Islamist movements Israel Israeli occupation issues Jerusalem Jewish Jews Jordan killing leadership leftist liberation movement liberation of Palestine major ment Middle East military wing minister Mish'al mobilization nationalist official organization Oslo Accords Pales Palestinian Authority Palestinian factions Palestinian Islamists Palestinian Legislative Council Palestinian Muslim Brotherhood Palestinian political Palestinian rights Palestinian society parties peace talks political Islam popularity position pressure programme recognize Israel region religious resistance second intifada Sheikh Ahmad Yassin strategy suicide attacks suicide bombings targeted tinian tion two-state solution United West Bank western Zionist