Hamas’ stunning victory underlines the contradictions and hypocrisies in Bush’s Mideast policies.
By Juan Cole
The stunning victory of the militant Muslim fundamentalist Hamas Party in the Palestinian elections underlines the central contradictions in the Bush administration’s policies toward the Middle East. Bush pushes for elections, confusing them with democracy, but seems blind to the dangers of right-wing populism. At the same time, he continually undermines the moderate and secular forces in the region by acting high-handedly or allowing his clients to do so. As a result, Sunni fundamentalist parties, some with ties to violent cells, have emerged as key players in Iraq, Egypt and Palestine.
Doesn’t the Hamas victory also show the marginalization of Left movements in Palestine? Shouldn’t we develop ideas about this right-populist movement that has gained its power because of the desperate powerlessness that many Palestinians feel? What might a three way fight analysis offer to the broader Left considering the Left’s near silence regarding this reactionary movement?