Gaza after the invasion: Prospects for Palestinian politics

Breakfast seminar at Fafo 28th January 2009 08.30-09.45, Borggata 2B Oslo

The terrible human costs of Israel’s invasion of Gaza are already apparent. Most of the social and institutional infrastructure is in shambles after the war. The question now is what the political consequences of the invasion will be. Before the war, Hamas and Fatah were locked in bitter conflict, unwilling to start talking about coexistence, let alone cooperation. How will the war affect the relations between them? As for Israel, its motives for waging war seem to have been diverse, but a central aim was ostensibly to cripple Hamas. Did the Israeli state achieve this or any other of its goals in the short or long term? Underlying both these issues is the central question of Hamas’ political and military strength and room for maneuvering in the present situation.

08:30 Welcome
        Åge Tiltnes, Researcher and Middle East Coordinator, Fafo

08:35 Introduction
        Jacob Høigilt, Middle East Researcher, Fafo

08:40 "Fatah, Hamas and Israel: The current situation and future prospects"
         Mouin Rabbani, Fafo Associate
         Comments, Are Hovdenak, PRIO
 
        The floor is open for discussion after the comments.

09:45 Ends

Chairman: Jacob Høigilt, Fafo

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Mouin Rabbani is a Fafo Associate based in Amman, Jordan, and contributing editor to the Middle East Report. He was previously Senior Analyst and Special Advisor on Palestine with the Middle East Program of the International Crisis Group. His research at Crisis Group was primarily on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, including research on the Palestinian political system and governance; Palestinian nationalism and Islamism; and regional and international approaches to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Are Hovdenak is a Middle East Researcher. Recently, he has been studying the political transformation process within Hamas as a researcher at PRIO.

Jacob Høigilt is a researcher at Fafo. His current research includes the educational activities of Islamic charities in Palestinian society.

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Breakfast (sandwiches, fruit, coffee and tea) served from 08:15. The seminar is open to the public and free of charge. Registration by January 26 by e-mail to tio@fafo.no. Please include name of event, name(s) of participants, and place of work. The seminar will be in English.

Fafo is situated in Borggata 2B by the Police House and behind Grønland church. 10 minutes from Oslo Central Station, 5 minutes from Grønland or Tøyen subway stations, Bus no. 37 stops outside. Map