Once again, Hamas shows that it understands governance in a way that Fatah cannot.
Governance requires a near monopoly on violence, and Fatah just wants a near-monopoly on graft.
Hamas calls for Johnston’s release | Israel and the Middle East
Stephen Brook and agencies
Friday June 15, 2007The Islamist movement Hamas today demanded the release of kidnapped BBC journalist Alan Johnston after seizing control of Gaza from rival Palestinian group Fatah.
Hamas, which has fought violent battles against Fatah for control of Gaza in the past few days, said at a press conference today that those holding Johnston should release him immediately.
“We will not allow his continued detention. We warn against not releasing him,” a Hamas spokesman, Abu Obeid, demanded.
Johnston, 45, was kidnapped in Gaza City more than three months ago.
Since then, nothing had been heard of him until two weeks ago, when a video of the BBC reporter was posted on the internet by a group claiming to be holding him, the Army of Islam.
In the June 1 video, Johnston said his captors were treating him well and that he was in good health – although it is still not known when the clip was filmed.