P F Tinmore
Diamond Member
- Dec 6, 2009
- 79,806
- 4,414
- 1,815
While Mr Abbas seeks a virtual state at the UN, Hamas controls a real one
UNLIKE Mahmoud Abbass Palestinian Authorityscattered under Israels occupation like inkspots on paperHamas, the Islamist group that runs Gaza, controls its territory, borders, security and trade. Depending less on capricious foreign aid, Gaza also enjoys exceptionally high economic growth, according to the latest World Bank report. Reconstruction has finally begun. Growth in the first half of 2011 slumped from 8% to 4% in Mr Abbass West Bank, but soared to 28% in Gaza.
Whereas Mr Abbas was willing to negotiate a demilitarised state with Israel, Hamas is bolstering its armed forces. Its Qassam Brigades are said to have packed their arsenals with weapons from Libyas abandoned arms depots, smuggled in via Egypt.
The Arab awakening has also provided allies to defend against renewed Israeli operations. Turkeys prime minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, promises to send military escorts to accompany aid flotillas to Gaza. Egypt has also improved its ties with Hamas.
Hamas in Gaza: A proper state already | The Economist
UNLIKE Mahmoud Abbass Palestinian Authorityscattered under Israels occupation like inkspots on paperHamas, the Islamist group that runs Gaza, controls its territory, borders, security and trade. Depending less on capricious foreign aid, Gaza also enjoys exceptionally high economic growth, according to the latest World Bank report. Reconstruction has finally begun. Growth in the first half of 2011 slumped from 8% to 4% in Mr Abbass West Bank, but soared to 28% in Gaza.
Whereas Mr Abbas was willing to negotiate a demilitarised state with Israel, Hamas is bolstering its armed forces. Its Qassam Brigades are said to have packed their arsenals with weapons from Libyas abandoned arms depots, smuggled in via Egypt.
The Arab awakening has also provided allies to defend against renewed Israeli operations. Turkeys prime minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, promises to send military escorts to accompany aid flotillas to Gaza. Egypt has also improved its ties with Hamas.
Hamas in Gaza: A proper state already | The Economist