Hamas: The Untold Story

The story told in Rodrigo Vazquez's hour-shy documentary is neither a history of the titular Palestinian organization nor an analysis of its underlying philosophy—although both subjects are briefly treated—but rather the difficulty that Hamas has had in transforming itself from an armed resistance movement into a governing entity after winning power in the 2006 elections. Those elections led to a 2007 civil war between the Hamas-controlled government (which claimed jurisdiction over the Gaza Strip) and its Palestinian rival Fatah (which maintained sway over the West Bank under President Mahmoud Abbas). Continuing conflict with Israel and international ostracism (by countries including the United States, which labels Hamas a terrorist organization) have reduced Gaza to extreme poverty, devastating the local export economy and cutting off most incoming aid. But the focus here is on the problem that Hamas faces in dealing with dissenters within Gaza—both those who continue to attack Israel (thereby inviting retaliatory strikes) and Fatah supporters protesting publicly against the regime, particularly over its use of religion as a political tool. As the vivid footage shot in Gaza here illustrates, former-militants-turned-policemen often resort to the use of heavy force rather than adopting the more discreet measures favored by officials (who are eager to show their democratic bona fides). Combining on-location filming with interviews of Hamas officials, reporters, citizens, and members of the opposition, Hamas: The Untold Story will be of considerable interest to those following current events in the Middle East. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)