Introduction to International Politics

Foreign Event Analysis

Locale[]
Palestinian Territory
Title
Eleven Dead in Gaza Strip Fighting
Summary
Hamas policemen targeted members of the militant Doghmush clan in a raid on Tuesday in retaliation for the killing of a fellow policeman on Monday during another police operation. The battle lasted for hours and could be heard throughout the entire city. During the fight, eight members of the Doghmush clan, one being a member of the pro-al Qaeda Army of Islam, were killed, along with two bystanders and one Hamas policeman. Forty were reported wounded. It was the worst infighting in Gaza since July when more than a dozen were reported killed.
Analysis
The fighting between Hamas officials and non-state militants shows a clear power struggle between the Palestinian forces along the Gaza Strip. As the legitimate user of force in the Palestinian Territory, it is important for Hamas to show dominance over smaller groups of rebels like the Doghmush clan. Thus, when a Hamas officer was killed on Monday by a member of the Doghmush clan, it was important that Hamas respond quickly and forcefully in order to make two things clear. One, to assert a clear dominance over the rogue Doghmush clan, and two, to send a powerful message to any others who might otherwise take up arms against Hamas.
The first goal was achieved almost flawlessly. According to the official death count, the Hamas policemen were able to eliminate eight of their enemies while losing only one of their own men. This demonstrates their military superiority to the Doghmush. They also issued a serious response to an isolated killing, showing the Doghmush that even the slightest act of aggression towards them will be met with dire retribution. The only way it could have been improved was if Hamas was able to survive the encounter with no casualties. Hamas also achieved its second goal. The two bystanders being killed shows Hamas’s enemies they are not afraid to cause collateral damage in order to destroy those who threaten its security. The fight turning from a quick operation to a flashy battle also works out in Hamas’s favor, as it caused a spectacle for any other militants who may be planning to carry out operations against Hamas.
Thus, because of their quick and powerful response, Hamas has shown that it is the dominant power of the land within its borders and has done a great deal in warning potential enemies of the consequences of attacking them. Causing this fear amongst opposers will go a long way in preserving the security and stability of Hamas.
Perspectiver
Realist
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Submitted
September 19, 2008 at 04:07 am