This beginner's guide to Hamas has been fully revised and updated. It now covers all the major events since the January 2006 elections, including the conflict with Fatah and Israel's brutal offensive in Gaza at the end of 2008 and beginning of 2009.

Originally published 2006.

Hamas's history -- Hamas's ideology, strategy, and objectives -- Hamas, Israel, and Judaism -- Hamas's resistance and military strategy -- Hamas's political and social strategy -- Hamas and the Palestinians -- Hamas and "international Islamism" -- Hamas and the West -- Hamas's leadership and structure -- A new Hamas? -- Hamas in power -- The future of Hamas -- Hamas and the Gaza war.