Palestinian Hamas and Algerian Front Islamique du Salut (FIS): The Way to Power

Abstract

This article shows the similarities and differences in the establishment and activities of the two movements: the Algerian FIS (Algerian National Salvation Movement) and the Palestinian Hamas (Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement). Both movements had a complex interplay between religion and politics. In the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, political Islam developed in response to the development of the Jewish community in those areas, while such development in Algeria took place in the shadow of the French occupation and the economic problems created in Algeria following the drop in oil prices. The article also represents the struggle of both movements to achieve their goal: the establishment of an Islamic national entity conducted in accordance with their religious precepts. The article presents the ways, of FIS and Hamas to mobilize the masses while emphasizing the similar and different elements of both.

I have to add that Hamas is regarded, either in whole or in part, as a terrorist organization by several countries and international organizations, most notably by Israel, the United States and the European Union. Russia, China, and Turkey are among countries who do not regard it so.

Keywords: The Algerian National Salvation Movement (FIS), The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), Religious Movements, Islamism, Algeria, Israel, Palestine

JEL Classification: A, F, H, Y.