Who is behind Hamas?
Reader comment on item: Can Hezbollah and Hamas Be Democratic?

Submitted by Werner (United States), Mar 23, 2005 at 18:52

The source of the early leaders of Hamas was the Muslim Brotherhood and it defined itself as the Palestinian Branch of the Muslim Brotherhood.

Funds for the charity part may (I guess as a matter of fact) be channelled to the terrorist wing.

The grip Hamas has on the population is through charity and through firebrand sermons in mosques, propaganda through other institutions and through leaflets distributetd through other means. Additionally through assasinations of palestiniaens who work for peace and cooperation with Israel.

Hamas has financial backing from Saudi Arabia (probably 'NGOs') as well as from Gulf states (and also in part by Iran)

As Hamas therefore is embedded in larger movements and organisations, prior to a democratization there has to be an isolation of Hamas first of the Muslim Brotherhood then of SA and other fundamentalist nations. Also the grip on un- und misinformed Palestiniand has to be broken Palistinians have to have access to other information. Hate sermons etc. have to be outlawed.

I think the key to a democatization of Hamas is the grassroot opinion and the breaking of its funding through islamist organizations as well as a strong security force which can handle the terrorist part of Hamas.

I believe, if there is a democratic process in Palestine, and Hamas is excluded it will lead to a civil war.

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