Based on conversations with experts, Helena Cobban and Rami G. Khouri argue that western governments' refusal to engage seriously with Hamas has worsened prospects for peace in Gaza, not improved them. Drawing upon decades of experience in Middle East diplomacy and journalism to explain Hamas's origins, ideology, governance record, and goals, authors make the case that realistic conflict resolution requires understanding the organization on its own terms. A timely resource for policy analysts, journalists, and researchers working on Hamas, western policy toward Gaza, and the case for diplomatic engagement with Palestinian political actors that western governments have historically refused to engage.
