A nuanced introduction to the Palestinian organization
"A timely introduction." Guardian
The Islamic resistance movement Hamas was created in 1987, won the elections of the Legislative Council in 2006, and governed the Gaza Strip since 2007. The attacks on October 7th and the subsequent war on Gaza have turned the international spotlight on them. What is Hamas' history, beliefs, and political agenda? From its founding to its fierce fighting in the most recent war, this is an indispensable introduction to the controversial political, social, religious, and military organization.
Challenging the reader's understanding, Palestinian writer Khaled Hroub goes beyond the caricatures of Hamas' leaders and cadre. He reveals a group often guided by pragmatic aims, providing the key facts often missing from news reports and incisive analysis of their relationship with Israel and the West.
This third edition of the popular guide is fully updated, including a new introduction and chapters on Hamas and the Arab Spring, Hamas and Donald Trump's 'Deal of the Century,' and the shocking events of October 7th.
About the Author
Khaled Hroub is a Palestinian, born in a refugee camp in Bethlehem. He is currently Professor in Residence of Middle Eastern Studies at Northwestern University in Qatar, and former director of the Arab Media Project at Cambridge University. He is the author of numerous books including Hamas: A Beginners Guide. His articles have been published in Open Democracy, Middle East Journal and The New Arab, among many others.
What People Are Saying
"A serious and successful book." Illan Pappé
"A very useful summary of the Hamas movement's origins, evolution, and key positions. The book's question-and-answer format yields clear and concise positions, and Hroub deftly expands on these as he explains the nature of Hamas' discourse on resistance and its views of Israel." CHOICE
"Could not be timelier. Drawing on his deep understanding of politics and religion in Palestine, Hroub expertly answers every important question about Hamas." James Piscatori, Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies
Table of Contents
Preface to the Third Edition
Introduction to the First Edition
Introduction to the Second Edition
Introduction to the Third Edition
1. Hamas's history
2. Hamas's ideology, strategy, and objectives
3. Hamas, Israel and Judaism
4. Hamas's resistance and military strategy
5. Hamas' political and social strategy
6. Hamas and the Palestinians
7. Hamas and 'International Islamism'
8. Hamas and the West
9. Hamas's leadership and structure
10. A 2006 'New Hamas'
11. Hamas in power
12. Hamas and the Arab (Spring) Revolutions (2010-11)
13. Hamas and the Wars on Gaza (before 2023)
14. Hamas and Trump's 'Deal of the Century'
15. October 7 and Hamas: Causes and Motives
16. What Comes Next for Hamas?
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