Hamas: The Untold Story 2008
Distributed by Films Media Group, PO Box 2053, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-2053; 800-257-5126
Produced by Heenan Bhatti, Mike Chamberlain
Directed by Rodrigo Vazquez
DVD, color, 45 min.
Jr. High - Adult
Middle Eastern Studies, Terrorism, Democracy, Political Science, Criminal Justice, Ethics, Sociology, International Relations
Date Entered: 07/15/2009
Reviewed by Malcolm L. Rigsby, Department of Sociology, Ouachita Baptist University, Arkadelphia, AR“In today’s Gaza old habits die hard!”
Can religion mix with politics?
As Hamas has entered the political realm in the Gaza strip a whole new set of problems have emerged for the residents of Gaza, the government of Israel and for Fatah in the West Bank. Among Hamas’ primary problems is the need to convert from a combative mode to an executive and legislative mode. This adaptation is hampered by the lack of funding and by the emergence of new groups that persist in waging a war against the Israeli government. A key element of concern is readily apparent in the need for the new government to meld a cohesive and legitimate police force. This struggle in shaping workable policy of process which will reshape former militants into a protective and executive police force is a primal example of this government’s challenge for legitimacy.
The documentary presents the factual positions in an open and forthright manner. Sound, video and editing is excellent.