Citation

Hroub K. J. Palest. Stud. 2004; 33(4): 21-38.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, University of California Press for Kuwait University and the Institute for Palestine Studies)

DOI

10.1525/jps.2004.33.4.021

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This article paints a broad canvas of Hamas after almost four years of intifada and a relentless multipronged Israeli-U.S. assault against it. The movement's views and strategies are discussed with regard to suicide attacks, the intra-Palestinian dialogue and cease-fire negotiations, and conditions for a peace settlement. While Israel s assassination of leadership cadres has unquestionably dealt the movement a serious blow, the author argues that Hamas has nonetheless made three significant strategic gains: its "resistance project" - contrasting with PLO negotiations policies - has gained ground as a "national agenda"; Arab and Muslim support, fueled by rising outrage at US. and Israeli policies, has grown; and, most importantly, Palestinian support at the grass-roots level has never been greater, resulting in increased political weight even as the movement's military strength has declined. © 2004 by the Institute for Palestine Studies. All rights reserved.

Language: en

Keywords

violence; Palestine; Middle East; Asia; political conflict; popular protest; strategic approach; Eurasia; negotiation process