InfoAnda - Gaza clashes reveal Hamas's complex struggle with radicals

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

LG's first tablet to hit US market in March | 2 February 2011
Facebook to open office in southern India | 15 March 2010
Thai police say cause of club fire still unclear | International | | 2 January 2009

Iran presents proposals as West ups nuclear pressure | 10 September 2009

Forum Views () Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Gaza clashes reveal Hamas's complex struggle with radicals

Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail Yahoo! Search Search: Sign InNew User? Sign Up News Home - Help Navigation Primary Navigation Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Secondary Navigation Africa Europe Latin America Middle East North America Search Search: Gaza clashes reveal Hamas's complex struggle with radicals AFP - Tuesday, August 18 JERUSALEM (AFP) - - Hamas may have buried the radical Islamist group that brazenly challenged its control over the Gaza Strip, but its rule of the Palestinian territory is indirectly encouraging extremism, experts say. ADVERTISEMENT While Hamas's largely nationalistic agenda and interpretation of Islam enjoys widespread appeal, it also encourages some of Gaza's weary, war-shocked residents to outflank it with more radical ideologies and tactics. On Friday scores of followers of Jund Ansar Allah -- Soldiers of the Partisans of God -- openly brandished weapons in a mosque in the southern Gaza city of Rafah and declared an Islamic emirate in a direct challenge to the Hamas-run government. Within hours clashes erupted that would eventually kill 24 people, including several Hamas policemen and the top two leaders of the group, which was seen as inspired by Osama bin Laden's global Al-Qaeda terror network but has denied any link. "The Gaza Strip has been transformed into a greenhouse and an incubator for the growth of extremist and hardline tendencies," says Naji Shirab, a professor of political science at Gaza's Al-Azhar University. "It is in the nature of these groups to reject the established political reality and to make it more extreme. They think that if Hamas is an Islamic movement then it must implement Islamic law." Although Hamas espouses an Islamist ideology it has taken only limited steps towards imposing Islamic law on Gaza since it seized power in the impoverished enclave of 1.5 million people in June 2007. That has led more extreme elements inside the besieged territory -- radicalised in part by years of war with Israel and grinding poverty -- to accuse Hamas of betraying Islam and to openly challenge its rule. Iyad Barghuti, director of the Ramallah Centre for the Study of Human Rights, says Hamas is "besieged in two ways," both by crippling Israeli sanctions and by its own ideological identity. "The problem is that its people are strictly religious, and when they see that their leaders are less strict than them they demand that they implement sharia (Islamic Law)." In a statement on Sunday after the fighting had ended Jund Ansar Allah said: "The battle to establish sharia has begun and will not end until its complete establishment as it was given to us by God. "All those who would call for the protection of the blood of Hamas leaders should remain neutral if they do not want to end up in (our) trenches." Hamas, which has always focused its fight on Israel, has long rejected Al-Qaeda's call for a global war against non-Muslims and perceived heretics. However since seizing power it has mostly turned a blind eye to Gaza's home-grown Qaeda-style groups, and has even formed temporary alliances with them. But Jund Ansar Allah has denied links to Al-Qaeda, according to a statement carried on Monday by the monitoring group SITE Intelligence. "We are not followers of Al-Qaeda" contrary to Hamas propaganda "that we are Al-Qaeda and apostate-branders," the statement said. In 2006 Hamas fighters captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit in a deadly cross-border raid launched in collaboration with the Army of Islam, a Qaeda-inspired group, and another smaller faction. The following year, when the Army of Islam kidnapped British journalist Alan Johnston of the BBC, Hamas pressured the group into releasing him. Hamas faces a similar dilemma over rocket attacks on Israel -- seeing extreme Islamists as allies during times of fighting and a liability when it tries to enforce ceasefires. In a recent interview with the Palestinian newspaper Al-Ayyam, a man calling himself Mahmud Talib and claiming to be a senior member of Jaljalat, another extreme Islamist group, described how Hamas made use of such groups. "The Hamas movement has tried to gather the Salafist youth and channel their thinking towards fighting the (Israeli) occupation whenever they want and however they want in an unannounced way." But despite Hamas's decision to halt rocket fire in an undeclared ceasefire with Israel, Talib said his group hopes to carry out a spectacular attack to capture the attention of Bin Laden himself. Meanwhile groups such as his are believed to have firebombed Internet cafes and threatened Christians and women who do not wear conservative Islamic dress. Hamas has vowed to investigate these incidents but has made few if any arrests. The complex relationship between Hamas and such groups mirrors that elsewhere in the Arab world between states that have supported radical Islamists only to see them turn their fury on their former patrons. "The countries that fund these groups think they are funding moderate Salafist groups and they never know when these individuals will shift from missionary work to Jihad," Shirab says. "I expect such violent incidents to spread... Despite Hamas's attempts to uproot these groups, they will not be able to completely control them." Email Story IM Story Printable View Blog This Sign in to recommend this article » 0 users recommend Related Articles: World Russia power plant accident kills 12, dozens missingAFP - Tuesday, August 18 Disney stunt performer dies during rehearsalAP - Tuesday, August 18 It's a howl: NYC artist compiles album of screamsAP - Tuesday, August 18 Health care concession riles left; right unmovedAP - Tuesday, August 18 Real IRA arms suspect poised for trial in LithuaniaAFP - Tuesday, August 18 Enlarge Photo Gunmen from the radical Palestinian Islamist group Jund Ansar Allah walk near a mosque after the Friday prayers in the southern Gaza Strip town of Rafah on August 14, 2009. Hamas may have buried the radical Islamist group that brazenly challenged its control over the Gaza Strip, but its rule of the Palestinian territory is indirectly encouraging extremism, experts say. Most Popular – World Viewed In death, as in life, Jackson surrounded by wackiness Eternal resting spot next to Marilyn Monroe to be auctioned Millions of salmon fail to turn up in Canada Pandas could be extinct in 2-3 generations: report Obamas marvel at Grand Canyon View Complete List » Search: Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - Community - Intellectual Property Rights Policy - Help

Other News on Tuesday, 18 August 2009
Iran chief judge hints at trials for prison abuse
Russia finds Arctic Sea ship, 'debriefing' crew
Huffington Post goes social with Facebook
Kenya losing 100 lions every year: conservation group
Iran police clash with protesters over daily's closure
White House changes email rules
Flintoff facing heavy burden as England omit KP
Russia power plant accident kills 10, dozens missing
Global stolen art database to trump traffickers
Mass rallies on last campaign day for Afghan poll
Foreign purchase of US securities surge
Peres poems turned to song on his 86th birthday
UK UFO sightings spiked when blockbusters released
New York manufacturing survey rebounds
Torture and execution of Iraqi gays on rise: HRW
UN's Ban welcomes Myanmar's release of American | International |
Costa Rican leader Arias recovers from swine flu | International |
World NGOs seek end to blocs in U.N. rights council | International |
Telecom operators hurt selling iPhones
Algeria woos investors to unlock tourism potential | International |
English Wikipedia hosts three millionth article
U.S. videogame sales down 29 percent in July
Russian dam disaster kills 10, another 62 missing | International |
Dell developing mobile devices for China Mobile
Struggling Sony Ericsson taps new head
Afghan attacks kill US civilian, service member
Obama warns Afghan victory not 'quick' nor 'easy'
Controllers: NTSB report on Hudson collision wrong
Donkeys traverse tough terrain with Afghan ballots
Crowley gets ovation from officers in California
Bomb on passenger truck kills 7 in NW Pakistan
SEC extends comment period on short-selling
Park Service says visits to national parks are up
NZ man seeks justice for brother at KRouge trial
2 strong quakes hit off Japan; no damages
Obama: VA care not affected by health overhaul
Suu Kyi's US 'guest' receives medical treatment
Indian PM says Pakistan militants planning fresh attacks
New NIH chief: Turn science into better care, fast
Supreme Court says Ga. man should get hearing
In Pa., Shinseki pledges to modernize VA system
US church leaders following up on Cuba storm aid
LA rolls out the red carpet for Project Runway | Entertainment |
Michael Jackson's dad says burial set for August 29: report | Entertainment |
Former politician Tom DeLay cast in Dancing show | Entertainment |
Comedian Steve Harvey joins 'Good Morning America'
Music Review: Third Eye Blind's latest a gem
Spain eyes total smoking ban in public places
Jarvi named orchestra chief in homeland Estonia
Record attendance at Sziget festival
Lady Gaga excited to visit 'sacred' Jerusalem
'School of Rock' set to open in Oklahoma
Time no barrier as Cropredy Fest rocks on and on
British bullfighter risking life and limb at 67
US weighs bolstering combat troops in Afghanistan
Russia power plant accident kills 12, dozens missing
South Korea rocket launch bound to rile the North | International |
IBM sees future of microchips in DNA
Hurricane Bill gains punch as first of Atlantic season
Rockets hit capital two days before Afghan vote | International |
Real IRA arms suspect poised for trial in Lithuania
China cancels Australia visit as relations sour | International |
US manufacturing index posts first growth in year
Struggling Sony Ericsson taps Nordberg as new head
Japan election campaign opens; voters eye change | International |
20 dead in Russia truck bomb attack: officials
Donkeys bring ballot boxes to Afghan mountains
40 percent of Twitter messages 'pointless babble': study
Gaza clashes reveal Hamas's complex struggle with radicals
Swedbank to raise cash to offset EEurope hit
Peace first, normal ties with Israel second: Mubarak | International |
Russia finds Arctic Sea ship, 'debriefing' crew
Former South Korean leader Kim Dae-jung dies | International |
Michael Jackson's 51st birthday to be his burial day: father
Struggling Sony Ericsson taps Nordberg as new head
US helicopters join Taiwan typhoon rescue efforts
Disney stunt performer dies during rehearsal
US Military: 2 mortar rounds hit Kabul
It's a howl: NYC artist compiles album of screams
Global weather celsius
Health care concession riles left; right unmoved
Radiohead offers new song online, but no EP | Technology |
Mini-sub finds human remains near Tongan ferry
GPS helps find 18th-century violin left in NY taxi
Campaigns begin for Japan election
Australia coach urges team to have Ashes 'fun'
Sotomayor on losing end in Ohio man's death appeal
AP NewsAlert
South Korea's Yang could become Tiger's Achilles heel
No injuries as Horizon plane runs off Wash. runway
Indian PM says Pakistan militants planning fresh attacks
Lockerbie bomber to drop appeal in British court
Floods hit camp holding Sri Lanka's war-displaced
Women activists condemn Afghan marriage law
Injured AP photographer in Baltimore hospital
Feds: Wash. company hired undocumented workers
Taiwan dollar flat as investors await more data
Seoul shares firm after loss;Samsung Elec, POSCO up
S.Korea bonds rise on U.S. lead, econ worries
Seoul shares open down on growing recovery worries
South Korea July dept store sales rise for 5th mth
Weak China energy demand could dent oil prices: CGES
Dell developing smart phone for China Mobile
Foreign purchase of US securities surge
Judge OKs Jackson deal, burial planned | Entertainment |
Mad Men premiere sets ratings record | Entertainment |
Kiss sets off Sonic Boom with Walmart | Entertainment |
Radiohead offers new song online, but no EP | Entertainment |
Motley Crue rolls on with sub for injured Tommy Lee | Entertainment |
Bow Wow making music with Lil Wayne's Cash Money | Entertainment |
Judge approves Michael Jackson merchandise deal
Tranquil Geneva grapples with crime surge
Spielberg wins funds to launch new studio
Unpublished Villa-Lobos scores found in Brazil
Judge okays Jackson deal, burial planned
"Mad Men" premiere sets ratings record
Motley Crue rolls on with sub for injured Tommy Lee
Judge approves merchandising deal
Radiohead offers new song online, but no EP
Kiss sets off "Sonic Boom" with Walmart
Israeli officials: New West Bank projects frozen
German economy boosted by ZEW survey
Sleep disorders linked to premature deaths: study
Iraqis find Iranian-made rockets after US attacked
Mousavi says government agents raped detainees | International |
Suicide attacks kill 12 before Afghan vote
GM signs binding agreement on Saab sale
Medvedev, Peres meet on Mideast tensions
Russia arrests eight 'Arctic Sea hijackers'
Israeli wine flows onto international shelves
Russia arrests eight over piracy on mystery ship | International |
Iran ready for nuclear talks with West
Irish Lisbon opponents attack fiscal cuts, markets | International |
Russia arrests eight suspected Arctic Sea hijackers
Islamist militant escapes from prison in Lebanon
Russia expels 2 Czech diplomats in spy row | International |
Russian dam rescuers unlikely to find 64 missing | International |
Scottish court lets Libyan drop Lockerbie appeal | International |
Apple probes iPhone explosion reports: EU | Technology |
Palm plans for commercial application store launch | Technology |
Qwest to shut off its wireless service October 31 | Technology |
Stunt death is 3rd fatal accident at Disney World
US warns Americans in Kuwait to be vigilant
South Korea mourns dissident who became president
Obama seeks Egypt help in Mideast deadlock
Prosecutors say man stole 130M credit card numbers
Myanmar says US visit a 'success,' could boost ties
Huckabee says 2 states in Holy Land 'unrealistic'
South Koreans mourn death of Kim Dae-Jung
DEALTALK-Price, union trouble threaten AIG's Taiwan sale
6 more cases of botched cancer treatment at Pa. VA
Five Chinese firms on Fortune's 100 list
Taiwan's president defends handling of typhoon
HK's jobless rate sticks at near 4-year high
2 years probation for Fla. doctor who hid bullet
Bomb attack kills 7 in Kabul; UN workers wounded
Obama to meet with Egyptian president Tuesday
Sinopec completes China's biggest foreign takeover
Dell, China Mobile to develop smartphone
Lockerbie bomber allowed to drop appeal: court
Global Islamic group visits China after rioting
UN says 27 die in floods in Pakistan's northwest
Taiwan to invest $1.4 bln in renewable energy
Pakistan seizes aide to "dead" Taliban chief
Seoul shares gain; Samsung Elec, Hyundai Motor up =2
Seoul shares gain; Samsung Elec, Hyundai Motor up
Dictator's son sets sights on Indonesian politics
Asian competitors shadow German solar industry
Bollywood star says he will cut back on US visits
Celine Dion pregnant again: report | Entertainment |
DeLay hopes to show fancy footwork on dance floor
Redford to direct film on Lincoln assassination | Entertainment |
Ex-reality TV villain Omarosa enters Ohio seminary
Sam & Ruby unlikely pairing a match made in music
Miley Cyrus stalking suspect to appear in court
President to attend memorial for Walter Cronkite
'Avatar' site restored for fans seeking sneak peek
West puts Indian DJs into a spin
Rejected US Cambodian brings hip hop home
World War II: Where did combat start?
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph	VPN on MacOSX	BlogMeter 1.01