Hamas’s Real Enemies
Virtually all Arab states – other than Iran’s ally, Syria – and the Fatah-led Palestinian Authority want Hamas to be defeated in the Gaza Strip. Given their self-interest in thwarting Islamist revolutionary groups, especially those aligned with Iran, few leaders are inclined to listen to the “Arab street” – which in any case is far quieter now than during previous conflicts with Israel.
PS Events: What Economics is Missing
Our latest event, What Economics is Missing, is now live.
Click the link below for opening remarks from Dani Rodrik, followed by a discussion among Ashwini Deshpande, Raquel Fernández, Minouche Shafik, and Vera Songwe on how to achieve inclusivity in economics.
JERUSALEM – In Iran, elements from within the regime are reportedly offering a $1 million reward for the assassination of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak because of his opposition to Hamas in the Gaza Strip. In Lebanon, the leader of Hezbollah, backed by Iran and Syria, merely calls for the Egyptian government’s overthrow.
In response to this, Tariq Alhomayed, a Saudi who is editor-in-chief of the newspaper Al-Sharq al-Awsat , describes Hamas as Iran’s tool, and argues that “Iran is a real threat to Arab security.”
Egypt’s foreign minister, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, agrees – and he is not alone. When Arab states met to discuss the Gaza crisis, Saudi Arabia vetoed any action. Even the Palestinian Authority (PA) blames Hamas for the fighting. Activists in Fatah, Hamas’s nationalist rival which runs the PA, make no secret of their hope that Hamas loses the war.
To continue reading, register now.
Subscribe now for unlimited access to everything PS has to offer.
Subscribe
As a registered user, you can enjoy more PS content every month – for free.
Register
Already have an account? Log in