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Hamas Attacks: A Turning Point for U.S. Policy
(Washington Institute for Near East Policy) Robert Satloff, Dennis Ross, Michael Singh, and Patrick Clawson - The Hamas attacks against Israel underscore realities that can no longer be overlooked: Hamas is not just some political party with a "military wing." It came to power through a violent coup and is motivated by a jihadist ideology. Hamas is committed to the destruction of the Jewish state. The horrific attacks of Oct. 7 were a reminder that Israel's decades-long battle for survival - within any borders - is not over, despite dramatic progress made toward regional peace. In its brutality, Hamas has shown itself to be in the same category as al-Qaeda and the Islamic State - except that Hamas is connected to a wider network whose participant groups are influenced or controlled by Iran. This network collectively poses a threat to the U.S. and its allies in the region. Defeating this Iran-led threat network requires unwavering commitment. America and its allies should not view calm as a significant achievement in itself or expend substantial assets just to preserve it. The failure of many Arab allies (along with others around the world) to condemn Hamas for its targeting of civilians, butchering children, or taking hostages underscores a persistent, deep divide on confronting terrorism - a gap that decades of partnership with the U.S. has not bridged. Addressing this frankly and directly on the governmental and civil society levels is an urgent priority. The writers represent the senior research staff of the Washington Institute.