Abstract
Terrorism has in fact resulted in the need for understanding the underlying conditions, motivations, and the behaviors that facilitate its development and growth. Growth can be attributed to multiple factors that can be either from internal or external perspectives. There seems to be some form of connection that exists between the popular attitudes and the extremism that is a common place, and is now viewed as being the informational battleground. The link between the public and support either proposing or opposing violent extremism remains to be fully understood. The story is similar for the Ḥarakat al-Muqāwamah al-ʾIslāmiyyah; a crucial Islamic religious movement commonly termed as (Hamas). The Hamas group is considered to be one of the key emerging political institutions (EPIs) that are using multiple ways of acquiring public support adding to the external factors that are set in place which in fact support them.
Keywords: Public Support, Legitimacy, Islamic, Organization
Introduction
The Hamas is a key Islamic religious movement of Palestinian origin. The group is deeply rooted in a distinct ideology which gives emphasis to its rigidity and the strict adherence to that ideology. The group is in fact considered to be a demonizing terrorist organization, at least by its Israeli counterparts. Hamas, together with other groups are always on the hunt for legitimizing their actions in whatever way possible, and this is proving to be a major global concern. Hamas uses various means of garnering public support for their efforts. They are in a position to have their influence and power felt by the presence of external factors that offer support to them.
Gaining recognition, support, and power with the people
Terrorist and extremist groups are usually the front line in making sure their presence is felt. As earlier mentioned, they make this official by legitimizing each of the actions that they undertake in their terrorism and extremism quests. Extremists and terrorists clearly recognize the need for legitimacy in garnering public support in whatever venture they partake in (McGinley, 2010). Hamas is reliant to direct public support as compared to elections or even state officials approval. The group is, therefore, determined to win the hearts and minds of the Palestinians. Losing support is a deterrent for Hamas as it alienates the group from the average Palestinian (McDonell, 2010).
Hamas has always had its long-term goal of establishing an Islam Palestinian state. This is well clear from the Charters mentioned in the national values of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), this is according to Gruber (2007). The ultimate goal of Hamas is the spread of Islam and in doing so; achievement of the call can be made possible by the use of strong rhetorical ideals and tactics. Radicalization clearly defines the cause of Hamas. Radicalization has in fact exerted an influence in the Middle East. The phenomenon has gone on to target immigrant populations, youth, and alienated minorities in regions of Europe and Africa (McGinley, 2010). Radicalization paves the way for legitimizations and the use of this tool promotes public support. Hamas is considered, therefore, to be a pragmatic organization. The group embraces practices and even philosophies that are meant to accord them legitimacy. Hamas has gone ahead to adopt a lesser militant attitude and has for a fact listened to the needs of Palestinians, especially those located in Gaza. Changes that have taken effect in Hamas have led to the instances mentioned above.
Relationship with external forces
Hamas is dependent on relationships that it has with other foreign organizations. Hamas is in fact included in the democratic process and some cases, in negotiations for the sense of durable peace to prevail (McDonell, 2010). Hamas is viewed a militant organization that has external associations which are funded by foreign groups. McDonell (2010) further points out that the most widely discussed connection to Hamas in this respect is Iran. Iran’s linkage to Hamas is supported by intelligence report as noted in the article by McDonell (2010). There is, however, lack of much evidence concerning the external relationships that Hamas has and its linkage to the ideologies and tactics of the group. The rise to power and legitimacy influence are part of the attributes of the external forces concerning Hamas.
Conclusion
It is quite evident from the research that Hamas is a step ahead in seeking public support, concerning the functions of the group. The militant group has had success in acquiring public support. Hamas is noted to be using legitimacy techniques in its hunt for public support when in fact, it is obtaining external support.
References
Gruber, S. (2007). Hamas: Pragmatic Ideology. The Fletcher School Journal for Issues Related to Southwest Asia and Islamic Civilization (Spring 2007), 1.
McDonnell, D. C. (2010). Extreme Realism: An Analysis of Hamas through its External Relationships (Doctoral dissertation, The University of Utah).
McGinley, J. (2010). Dimensions of support: Understanding global terror and the war of ideas. Journal of Social, Evolutionary, and Cultural Psychology, 4(3), 174.
