Re: [Marxism] The Left and Support For Islamic Resistance

[Ruthless Critic of All that Exists <ok.president+nbsy@xxxxxxxxx>]

On Mon, Feb 16, 2009 at 3:22 AM, <Jscotlive@xxxxxxx> wrote:
>
>
> Hamas is playing a progressive role in resisting Israel's  occupation. Recent
> events in Gaza have not only galvanised the  Arab and Muslim world, they've
> galvanised and radicalised new layers of  people in the West.

Hamas was "resisting Israel's occupation" by firing rockets into
Israel -- lacking the technology to aim rockets accurately, they were
essentially firing them indiscriminately into Israel. Instead of
helping the Palestinian cause, this action by Hamas was turning off
many people all around the world to the Palestinian cause. Hamas has
been playing a regressive role in resisting Israel, because its
actions play straight into Israel's hand, helping Israel demonise the
Palestinians.

Palestinian groups could have been much more effective in resisting
occupation if they organized Bobby Sands-like acts (e.g. fasting unto
death as a protest) against occupation. Non-violent civil
disobedience.

See also:

Behind the Myths about Hamas
by Deepa Kumar

Full: <http://www.monthlyreview.org/mrzine/kumar210109.html>

"At certain times, Hamas members have intervened to stop what the
organization defines as "immoral" behavior, such as partying, drinking
alcohol, not wearing the hijab, mixed swimming, and so forth.  One
such incident occurred in 2005 in Gaza, when a Palestinian women was
killed and her fiancé beaten up after they were found in his car at a
beach.

"Hamas' position on women is reactionary; it sees them as primarily
responsible for the home and family life.  While it has repeatedly
insisted that it will not force women to wear the hijab -- and has,
for the most part, carried through on this -- there is an indirect
pressure exerted on women to follow Hamas' views on veiling, if they
wish to seek their help.

"Women can join Hamas, but their realms of activity are limited to
charities and schools.  They are largely invisible, and not one woman
has occupied a leadership position in the organization since 1987."

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