'This short, timely introduction provides a history of the movement, a rundown of key policies, sketches of key figures ...Hroub's aim is to "debunk" western misconceptions by depicting what he calls "the real Hamas": embedded in the community by its social arms, and driven to suicide bombing by Israeli intransigence. [Yet] Hroub is not afraid to voice criticism or disquiet.' Guardian 'This book could not be timelier. Khaled Hroub expertly answers every important question about Hamas and insightfully explains its ideology, organisation and appeal. Concise, lucid and invaluable.' James Piscatori, Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies The U.S. views Hamas as a terrorist organisation. Yet, to the great surprise of many, Hamas swept to victory in the 2006 Palestinian Authority elections. Hamas is now a democractically elected political party. This is the first beginner's guide to this controversial political organisation. Explaining the reasons for Hamas's success, this book provides the key facts that are so often missing from conventional news reports. It's a one-stop guide that gives a clear overview of Hamas's history, key beliefs, and its political agenda. Written by a leading Al-Jazeera journalist and Cambridge academic, this unique book provides a refreshing perspective that gets to the heart of the reasons behind Hamas's victory. It provides a critical overview of Hamas's attitudes to Israel, including religious beliefs and suicide bombings, its attitude to the PLO and its programme of grassroots social work within Palestine. The reality of Hamas's victory means that the West will now have to engage with it more seriously if there is to be peace in the Middle East. This book provides the first essential step towards a better understanding of the challenges and suprises that the future may hold. Praise for Khaled Hroub's previous book, Hamas: Political Thought and Practice: '[Hroub's] in-depth and dispassionate presentation of the Hamas doctrine is masterful.' Foreign Affairs 'The best-researched and most objective study.' Joseph Massad, Columbia University