Hamas
A Beginner's Guide
3rd Edition
Published on 20. March 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
288 pages
978-0-7453-5087-5 (ISBN)
Description
'A timely introduction' - Guardian
The Islamic resistance movement Hamas was created in 1987, won the elections of the Palestinian 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 as well as on Palestine. What then are Hamas's history, beliefs and political agenda? This is an indispensable introduction to the controversial political, social, religious and military organization.
Looking beyond the caricatures of Hamas's leaders and cadre, Palestinian writer Khaled Hroub reveals a group largely guided by pragmatic aims. Asking the reader to re-think what they know, he provides the key facts missing from news reports, and an 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, Donald Trump's 'Deal of the Century', and the events of October 7th.
The Islamic resistance movement Hamas was created in 1987, won the elections of the Palestinian 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 as well as on Palestine. What then are Hamas's history, beliefs and political agenda? This is an indispensable introduction to the controversial political, social, religious and military organization.
Looking beyond the caricatures of Hamas's leaders and cadre, Palestinian writer Khaled Hroub reveals a group largely guided by pragmatic aims. Asking the reader to re-think what they know, he provides the key facts missing from news reports, and an 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, Donald Trump's 'Deal of the Century', and the events of October 7th.
Reviews / Votes
'A timely introduction' -- Guardian 'A serious and successful book' -- Illan Pappe '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 StudiesMore details
Edition
Third Edition
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Edition type
New edition
Product notice
Paperback (UK-trade)
Dimensions
Height: 197 mm
Width: 128 mm
Thickness: 30 mm
Weight
245 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-7453-5087-5 (9780745350875)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Person
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.
Content
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?
Recommended Reading
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?
Recommended Reading