Hamas popularity hits a new low after opposing UN statehood bid

[oberliner]

Of the many complaints in Gaza, one has become a popular refrain: the increasing taxes levied by Hamas. Fathi Abu Gamar, a gas station owner in Jabaliya refugee camp, readily joins the chorus: The Islamist movement that rules this tiny coastal territory takes more than half his revenue from gas sales, he says, leaving him with a tiny profit.

But he quickly becomes quiet when a man, whom neighbors identify as a Hamas informer, begins hovering nearby, listening intently. Above him, the green flags of Hamas flutter in the strong sea breeze. Like Hamas's popularity, they are faded and tattered.

Hamas has been steadily losing support among Gaza's 1.6 million residents after winning elections in 2006 and violently ousting its secular rival, Fatah, the following year.

Now, however, its popularity has fallen to a new low due because of its opposition to a bid for Palestinian statehood at the United Nations – a move spearheaded by Fatah leader and Hamas rival Mahmoud Abbas – or Abu Mazen, as he's known here.

http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Middle-East/2011/1005/Hamas-popularity-hits-a-new-low-after-opposing-UN-statehood-bid

[madrchsod]

1. most of the materials come from the tunnels.....

[Turbineguy]

2. I wonder how much

in real taxes we would pay here with the Tea Party in charge?

[Crunchy Frog]

3. It's kind of ironic to see Hamas and Israel in agreement on a major issue.

On which most of the rest of the world disagrees.

[oberliner]

4. Like how David Duke and Dennis Kucinich agree on I/P issues

Coming at it from very different places.

[Donald Ian Rankin]

5. That's encouraging. N.T.

[aranthus]

6. Abbas' plan to keep his job appears to be working. n/t

[oberliner]

7. If Hamas ever allowed elections to take place they would be out in a heartbeat

Unfortunately, they appear to support the "one and done" approach.

[vminfla]

8. There are tunnels to be dug

The tunnels won't dig themselves and the weapons factories won't magically turn out IEDs

[azurnoir]

9. This is hardly a surprise if elections were to be held Hamas

would lose, which is why Hamas will not allow elections