The Palestinian Hamas: Vision, Violence, and Coexistence

by Shaul Mishal, Avraham Sela

In The Palestinian Hamas , Shaul Mishal and Avraham Sela show that, contrary to its violent image, Hamas (the Islamic Resistance Movement) is essentially a social and political organization, providing extensive community services and responding to political realities through bargaining and power brokering. The authors lift the veil on Hamas's strategic decision-making methods at each of the crucial crossroads it has the Intifada and the struggle with the PLO, the Oslo accords and the establishment of the Palestinian National Authority, and the choice between absolute jihad against Israel and controlled violence. Now with a new introduction, this book does much to contextualize the current ascendancy of this controversial movement.

Genres: Israel, Middle East, Islam, History, Politics

280 pages, Paperback

First published March 28, 2000

Reviews

[david-baptiste · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is an excellent book by two israeli scholar/journalist/writers--in that it demystifies and debunks the demonized images of hamas--which in reality functions much more like the social and politicl networks of aspects of the Blak Panthers--hamas wa elected due to its ability to provide services, food, clean streets, medecine, keep the society functionl and fre from the rampant corruption associated with the PLO and the fatah--(poeple forget that hamas was begun with israeli backing as a counter weight to the PLO)
very important book for an understanding of realities kept hidden from especially americans by relentless propaganda--
Hamas is not the devil but a human face and reality that needs to be communicated with in human terms for there to be a possiblity f any kind of peace--
(which may wel not be desired anyway by the opposite parties, hence the demonization process so relentlessly pursued. thought democratcially elected hamas not recongized by fellow 'democracies")

[foxie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Palestinian Hamas is a well rounded and non (or less) demonizing view on HAMAS, going into depth to demonstrate the calculative and less 'all or nothing' status that the group has as opposed to how Israel would like it framed. Though I have issues with the lack of consideration or mention of Israeli attacks on Palestinians in their effort to ethically cleanse the Gaza Strip and West Bank. Going into the book with a good grasp on the genocidal nature of Israel is the best way to approach this study in my opinion.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

his is a good overview of Hamas as a political movement in the Occupied Palestinian territories, somewhat de-politicized and with extensive historical and sociological contextualization. One should read this or something similar to get a basic understanding about the tension between Fatah and Hamas in the Occupied Territories today. The authors rely heavily on flyers produced from the organization during its early years to interpret political meaning at this time. But with such a clandestine, difficult organization not many better options exist. Also, many of the original sources are in Arabic or Hebrew, so following though on these things for the non-Arabic speaking reader might be difficult. All and all though the content is informative and the conclusions are reasonable.

[Marcel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Useful to understand the hierarchy and the organisation of Hamas. A good explanation of how the movement is compartmentalised, its relation to the other Palestinian political and Islamic groups and its vision of the conflict. The authors stop short of analysing its use of suicide bombers, its indiscriminate maiming of civilians and how it sends messages to Israel and the Israeli public. On the other hand, excellent in explaining that Hamas makes rational calculations and doesn't function as a bunch of religious murdering maniacs.

[Marcus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good intro to Hamas.

[Peter · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very, very dry reading--wayyyy too academic for even the specialized reader. This movement is fascinating--why can't the writer bring it to life?

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Only read it for the history of the group and if you're interested in the topic . . .