"To the Editor:
Tom Segev points in his article to “Islamism” as the “driving force” among Palestinians that is helping perpetuate the conflict. But the political history of the Palestinian struggle, which spans 70 years at least, points to national aspirations as the moving force behind the Palestinian movement. These aspirations were and remain overwhelmingly secular, with the right to self-determination at the cornerstone of the Palestinian political movement, despite the victory of Hamas in the recent elections in the West Bank and Gaza. The means of achieving these aspirations have changed over time, and will likely continue to evolve: from family and tribal affiliations in the 1940s and 50s, to the socialist and quasi-Marxist movements of the 60s and 70s to the secular Fatah movement in the 80s and 90s and the recent rise in religious parties like Hamas. To reduce the driving force behind the Palestinian political and military struggle to religious extremism contributes to the continuous misunderstanding of the “Palestinian other,” thus decreasing the chances of a mutual peaceful accord between Israelis and Palestinians.
Hana El Sahly
Houston, June 5, 2007"