Islamist parties’ victories spur Haniya’s regional tour

Dubai: Encouraged by Islamists ascending to power in various Arab countries, Gaza's political leader Esmail Haniya kicked off his first regional tour in nearly five years.

Hamas' senior political leader's tour is an attempt by the Palestinian group to "make its voice heard" in the political arena amidst the present changes, analysts said.

"The timing of Haniya's current tour is an indication of the trend of changes in the political scene at the Arab and Palestinian levels," said West-Bank sociology professor Nader Saeed in an interview with Gulf News.

"The emerging of the Islamist groups in some Arab countries which are undergoing changes has given more importance to Hamas' role," added Saeed, who is also director of the Arab World Centre for Research and Development. He was referring to the victory of the groups in elections held in Tunisia and Morocco.

The Brotherhood in Egypt has already secured a big number of seats in the two rounds of Parliamentary election. A third round is expected before the final results are known. Egypt is the first stop of Haniya's tour which he started on Sunday, his first since 2007.

Rebuilding Gaza

It will also include Sudan, Tunisia, Qatar, Bahrain and Turkey. Gaza's leader is expected to hold talks with the leaders of these countries on rebuilding the Gaza strip, which suffered considerable damage during a major Israeli offence in 2008-2009.

Egypt mediated a prisoner swap deal between Hamas and Israel that was completed last week and is currently overseeing the implementation of a reconciliation deal between Hamas and Fatah.

"He [Haniya] was supposed to make such a tour long ago, but because of the occupation and blockade by [Israel], it was difficult for him to do so," commented Hassan Barari, a Jordanian professor who specialises in Arab-Israeli affairs. "Now, there are so many changes in the [Arab] region, and many believe that the Islamists will have a leading role in the coming era. Therefore, Hamas believes it has to make its voice heard," Barari explained to Gulf News.

"Haniya is making his tour and he realises his strengths; he has succeeded in bringing order in Gaza… He also believes he should engage more with the rest of the world."

The increasing role of Hamas' leaders in Gaza comes at a time when the role of its leaders abroad, mainly in Syria, has been "shaken" due to the unrest in that country, analysts said.

Important players

"There is a chance to show the world they are important players in the regional changes," commented one analyst.

Hamas has taken a "neutral stand" in the internal unrest in Syria. Press reports said many Hamas officials and their families have left Syria in recent weeks.

Haniya was quoted as appealing for calm in Syria before starting his tour: "We have called for preserving Arab blood and for using dialogue and understanding between all the components of Arab countries."

In Arab Spring, Hamas attempts to build bridges with the world