The national dimension of Islamic project: Hamas Movement
The article sheds light on the questions connected with formation and evolution of the Palestinian movement Hamas, part of which discourse and practice represents rejection of Israel. The traits which classify this movement as terroristic are apology and use of violence based on religious dogma. The focus of the article, however, is not drawn towards methods the movement utilizes to achieve its goals, but on reasons why Hamas turned to Islamic rhetoric and activities it fuels. The author stipulates that these reasons arise out of necessity to confront the main opponent of the organization - the Fatah movement and Fatah-led Palestinian National Authority. It is stated that Hamas has not only been able to devise its own political project, but to evolve into a clear national entity. This tendency has been predetermined by seizure of power in the Gaza strip, changes in the top political leadership of the movement and by regional political shifts. It is expected that further development of its stance will follow the real drive of all the actors in the Palestinian arena towards non-violence in attempts to settle the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.