Hamas’s desire to best Hezbollah’s achievements is natural, of course, but, more to the point, it is radicalizing. One of the reasons, among many, that Hamas felt compelled to break its cease-fire with Israel last month was to prove its potency to Muslims impressed with Hezbollah. Full Story »
Posted by Kaizar Campwala
Goldberg sets up a dialogue here that is fairly eye-opening. This brought to light aspects of the connection between Hamas and Hezbollah previously unknown to me. But ultimately (and this is on re-read) I think the author is quite disingenuous in his arguments. He jabs at the senselessness of the two groups' violent antisemitism, their radical interpretation of Islam, and their shrewd relationship with Iran. But he excludes from the piece any mention of the equally odd ties between evangelical Christians and radical Jews, the flamboyant Zionism that exists in many levels of Israeli society, and the de facto apartheid Israel has imposed on the Palestinian population. This is a complex conflict: any case made without at least ... More »
Goldberg has a long history of engaging with this topic, and this piece is certainly thought-provoking and unique. I do wonder whether he should have acknowledged that Israel too has very hard line, racist political parties.
Well presented and well argued, lots of first-hand opinions through reported conversations. But several key pieces are missing, most notably the Israeli government's ceaseless stranglehold on the Occupied Territories, and the continuing, crushing deprivation, degradation and destruction Palestinians have suffered under the Israeli government's claims of self-defense. Goldberg leaves out the evident intention by the government of Israel to eradicate Palestinians for "national security," and their attack on Gaza is the newest phase of their "ethnic cleansing." How secure will that make Israel? Who will cajole Israel's government into moderation?
I'm always intrigued by analyses that report on war like a chess match. Indeed, that is how the principals in these cases seem to base their decisons most of the time: ego to ego, pride to pride, without regard for the people they allegedly serve. Haven't we had enough of that already?
There is a fixed idea among some Israeli leaders that Hamas can be bombed into moderation. This is a false and dangerous notion. It is true that Hamas can be deterred ... More »
This piece take a deeper look at the relationship between Hamas and Hezbollah than I am used to seeing. I was hoping for more primary source insight than the interviews with Nizar Rayyan, but altogether a well-formed and enlightening article. Extremely relevant at this time, given the conflict in Gaza and our escalating tensions with Iran. Highly recommended to anyone wishing to better understand these groups' ideologies, roots and motivations.
This is the type of back story reporting I wish I saw more of in mainstream media outlets. I wonder how many Americans understand Hezbollah's connection to Iran and the position Hamas is in in trying to live up to their "example."
Waste of good newsprint. Yes, there is much religious fervour amongs the protagonists, but more significantly, the whole structure is encouraged by capitalists, which, as it turns out, is just another form of religion, where the god is mammon.
Information about face to face interviews with Hamas leaders is always of value since we see very little of it. Further, information about the Shiia versus Sunni elements of these anti-Israel movements is always valuable.
Goldberg's interview with Rayan was over two and a half years ago, with Rantisi a few years before that. Yet he confidently makes the statement on the current 2008-09 situation that "One of the reasons, among many, that Hamas felt compelled to break its cease-fire with Israel last month was to prove its potency to Muslims impressed with Hezbollah." The problem with this is his lack of sources for this particular knowledge--since he treats it as fact rather than speculation--and a ... More »
This article clearly identifies the author and his history, which allows the reader to put the opinions and comments into perspective.
I am afraid that even the meager hopes that are expressed for a Fatah-backed peace are misplaced, because, at this time, the goal of a Middle East entirely free of any vestige of an independent democratic Jewish state remains at the center of all movements and regimes involved in the area. Only a clear end to incitement to hate and violence in the schools, media, and mosques will signal the beginning of a change in that position.
Retrieving Comments
