From the Hanitizer, who is currently in Gaza: 

Spending a few weeks in Gaza and seeing the full extent of the Hamas media control in Gaza, you can’t help but notice the success of Hamas and its propaganda efforts in the Palestinian territories and beyond. As someone who does not hold much affection toward Hamas and its ideology (their militia killed my first cousin and mutilated his body in front of cameras) I have to give credit where credit is due:

1) For starters, there’s the Al-Aqsa TV station, a Hamas run satellite TV that has upbeat programming and a wonderful lineup of shows that keep audiences interested and tuned in. The station broadcasts educational, religious, social and political programming, the last of which really shows the extent to which Hamas makes things clear that they’re serious about propaganda. Compare that with the official, Ramallah-run Palestine channel where audiences would have to be paid in Euros to be kept in their seats. Boring and old-fashioned messages with too much political rhetoric just turns off those who tune in.  

2) Hamas dominates the great majority of mosques. Just about every neighborhood has one and as you all know, each one has a microphone for announcing prayer times. Hamas sure does make good use of those Mosque microphones and broadcasting systems to announce their messages, recently received news items, and demonstration times and dates. Thus, they are able to effectively reach all those who live near a mosque (which is everybody). Mosques billboards are another territory Hamas controls, using the advertising space for their activities. Just like a good Southern preacher, followers come by the thousands and the events at local mosques are made popular by fiery, charismatic Imams.

3) Hamas radio stations also come up with fun and interesting broadcasts that bring in both advertisers’ money and listeners from all walks of life. In the radio game, Hamas has a strong presence with Radio Al-Qudus, a project of the Islamic Jihad, with their vivid programs and colorful selections. When it comes to the radio, Hamas bears the crown and the throne, hands down! Fatah, on the other hand, doesn’t even have a foot in the door! Thanks to the “Siege” which has completely stopped the influx of many of today’s biggest albums and artists, radio stations provide the only form of car entertainment. XM Radio and iPods have yet to make a presence in Gaza. 

4) Hamas is now in the movie-making business and not just in it to make cheap, lame movies either. No, I’m talking about kick-ass, action flicks that are a sure hit with the youngsters in Gaza—Hamas’ favorite recruits. For a long time, Palestinian movie fans have been watching American actions flicks (guilty) and until Hamas got in the game, no Palestinian movie had been made about a local hero. Hamas established a movie and production studio house called Asda’a, located on the grounds of one of the liberated settlements in the Gaza Strip—a location I recently toured. Just this summer, Hamas released a motion picture about a member of their militant wing, Imad Aqel, a Palestinian martyr and a hero for many Palestinians. The movie deals with the story of his struggle against the Israeli occupation in the late 80’s and early 90’s. The movie has giant billboards all over the Strip and people pay to see it. The a hit movie also serves various purposes. The first: the stimulation of the Gaza economy, albeit in a small way. Reports say that the movie costs were around $160,000 dollars, so the Hamas studio sold it for profit and the company is making even more money off of it. America is no stranger to the use of media for propaganda. Last time I was in the movie theatre, I saw Kid Rock’s “Warrior” music video for the National Guard. The second purpose is to market some of the controversial Hamas figures. For example, in the movie credits, one discovers that Mahmoud Zahar, the Hamas Foreign Affairs minister wrote the script. Go Hamasywood!

5) Hamas throws way better parties! I attended a graduation at the Islamic University and had a great time at a fun, welcoming and upbeat atmosphere for graduates and their families. Balloons, confetti, music, projectors, the whole nine yards, Hamas went all out for this party. Compare that with chaotic Fatah graduations where it is almost impossible to be seated or even enjoy the event because organizers are nowhere to be found. Hamas is also in the wedding business, where they do group weddings for hundreds of brides and grooms and exploit the occasion as both a propaganda and recruitment tool for the new cadre.    

Hamas is daintily better organized than Fatah, but perhaps their best asset is their loyalty and their discipline to do what it takes to be number one. Hamas is extremely resourceful and make good use of what little resources they possess. Even though they might not be as inclusive as Fatah, they showed the willingness to evolve and adapt in order to survive and move into another phase.

Unfortunately, those who disagree with them have to play catch-up.

Related posts:

1. Post-Gaza Palestinians Worse Off, but Not Blaming Hamas
2. The Fruits and Seeds: Hamas Victory
3. Hamas Claims Victory — Protest Votes Win
4. Bush’s Media Strategy pt. 2
5. Hamas’ Slick Campaign Trick