Fatah/PLO
What is the main geographical base of the PLO since 2006?
West Bank
Where is Hamas main stronghold located?
Gaza
What countries are Hezbollah’s main allies?
Iran, Syria
What are some advantages and disadvantages non-state actors face in asymmetric conflicts? Name at least two
Open answer. Disadvantages: unable to conquer territories, limited conventional military power. Advantages: harder to defeat, elicits international outrage for civilian victims, can achieve political goals in spite of military defeat.
What caused the war in Lebanon in 2006?
Reaction to cross-border raid, attempt to restore deterrence
Who became the leader of the PLO after Arafat’s death?
Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen)
What are the main differences between Hamas and the PLO? Name two or three factors
Open answer; religious vs. secular, opposed to two state solution, more popular since 2006
What is the main ethnic and religious identity of Hezbollah?
Lebanese, Shi’ite (~30% of Lebanese population)
What historical circumstances favored the rise of non-state actors (Hamas and Hezbollah) in the conflict?
Open answer: Iranian Revolution and fall of the Soviet Union promoted religious movements over secular ones. Arab states unable to continue the struggle after defeats in 1967/1973.
What is the state of Israel-Hezbollah relationship since 2006?
Lasting ceasefire through mutual deterrence
What is the relationship between Fatah, the PLO and the PA?
The PLO is a confederation of Palestinian movements in which Fatah holds a leading role since 1967. The PA is the state-like entity that took on the administration of parts of Gaza and the West Bank due to the Oslo Accords. The PA is politically dominated by Fatah.
In what year was Hamas established?
1987, during the first intifada
When was Hezbollah founded?
1985 (date of its official manifesto), during the Lebanese civil war
What is Hezbollah’s main political agenda (domestically and internationally)
Unify the heterogeneous Lebanese society against a common external enemy, justify its paramilitary structure
What is the name of the Israeli military operation in Gaza in 2008-2009?
Operation Cast Lead
In what year was Fatah (or the PLO) established? Answer at least one
Fatah (1959), PLO (1964)
Who was the founder of Hamas?
Ahmed Yassin
Who is the current leader of Hezbollah
Hassan Nasrallah
What factors thwarted the peace negotiations in 2008?
Both sides were too weak to make any agreement last, Abbas did not respond to the offer, the Gaza war destroyed any remaining goodwill
Who was Israel’s prime minister during the 2008-2009 Gaza war?
Ehud Olmert (Kadima party, successor of Sharon)
What does the word “Fatah” mean?
Victory
What non-Palestinian movement was Hamas an offshoot of
Muslim Brotherhood (Egypt)
What does “Hezbollah” mean?
Party of God
Which organization cites the "Protocols of the Elders of Zion" in its founding manifesto?
Hamas (1988 Charter)
What is the Goldstone report?
Report of a fact-finding commission of the UNHRC, accused Israel of war crimes during the 2009 Gaza war. Goldstone subsequently retracted the part about purposely targeting civilians. It contributed to international criticism against the campaign.