To defeat terrorist groups like Hamas, it is important to separate the terrorists from the local population from which they emerge. Right now, we are witnessing not the separation of Hamas and the local population, but the growing integration of the two, with likely growing recruitment for Hamas. The only viable way to separate Hamas from the local population is politically. This could, over time, separate Hamas from the local population more and more, and so lead to significant success. This new strategic conception is the best way to defeat Hamas, secure Israel’s population and advance America’s interests in the region.

---

Persons: Robert A . Pape, Read, CNN —, —, Robert A, Pape Robert Pape Indeed, Maz Nash, Israel, Mohammed Abed, Ben Curtis, Saddam Hussein’s, Saddam Hussein, Chris Hondros, Israel doesn’t Organizations: University of Chicago Project, Security, “, Power, CNN, West Bank, Getty, Beirut International Airport, ISIS, Hamas, Palestinian Ministry of Health Locations: Israel, United States, Southern Lebanon, Lebanon, Beirut, Gaza, Gaza City, AFP, Iraq, Al, Kut, Ramallah, Syria, Palestinian