11m ago
16.23 AEDT
Analysis:
ceasefire seals significant defeat for Hamas
Jason Burke
The
ceasefire due to come into force, barring a major last-minute problem, will
cement massive and rapid changes across the Middle East and may seal a
significant defeat for the Islamist militant groups that have been powerful
actors in the region for years.
Hamas in
Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon and assorted Shia Muslim militia in Iraq and Syria
will all emerge from the conflict considerably weakened. Only the Houthis in
Yemen are stronger – though this may not last. The Islamic State remains a
shadow of its former self.
For an
organisation like Hamas simply to survive a big conflict is an achievement, and
means Israel has failed to achieve one of its primary war aims. But the
concessions made by Hamas since coming close to a ceasefire last May underline
its enfeebled state.
Though no
reliable statistics exist and Hamas has undoubtedly recruited many new
fighters, its military arm has been badly degraded by the Israeli onslaught,
with most senior and middle-ranking commanders killed.
The
organisation maintains patchy authority in some areas of Gaza but nothing that
resembles its full control through the 16 years when it completely controlled
local government.
.jpg)
.jpg)
Sem comentários:
Enviar um comentário