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Source: http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2012/07/25/hamas_rising
Hamas Rising
(Foreign Policy) Jonathan Schanzer - While Iranian economic assistance to Hamas has dwindled, the Iranian weapons pipeline still appears to be robust. Furthermore, in Gaza, Hamas is riding high on the beneficence of two of the Middle East's emerging Sunni powerhouses. In February, Hamas announced a $250 million deal with Qatar for reconstruction projects. Doha is also providing funds for sports and housing projects. And Qatar appears to be the new global headquarters of the Hamas politburo after Damascus. Turkey's Islamist government has also embraced Hamas, both economically and diplomatically. Yet it is in Ankara's interest to keep direct assistance shrouded in secrecy. Hamas has also enjoyed a red-carpet welcome in Tunisia, where the Islamist al-Nahda party has taken the reins of power. The victory of the Muslim Brotherhood's Mohamed Morsi in Egypt's presidential elections has energized Hamas. Hamas, unlike the PA, has never needed Western handouts. Since its inception in 1987, the group has operated entirely on regional cash. Its platform of resistance to Israel enjoys wide appeal in the new Sunni regional order. The writer is vice president for research at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.