What is the real nature of Hamas? Since their astonishing victory in the 2006 Palestinian elections, this has become the most hotly-contested question in the Middle East. How do they really operate? How 'Islamic' are they? What personalities lie beneath the black-and-green uniforms? In this explosive book, Palestinian-born journalist Zaki Chehab draws on his unique insider sources to tell the story of this radical movement as it has never been told before. He shows how Hamas developed with the implicit encouragement of the Israelis (they bought their first weapons cache from the Shin Bet, Israel's domestic security agency), who wanted to weaken Fatah. He uncovers the extent of the Israeli intelligence services' penetration of the organisation, even at the highest levels. Interviewing key figures, he offers completely new insights in to Hamas. He reveals for the first timehow they prepare their 'martyrs' for suicide bombing attacks. He investigates their relationship with other groups, such as Hezbollah and Al Qaeda. The picture which emerges is of a political leadership driven above all else by a desire for power. This authoritative book is essential reading for anyone who cares about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the future of the Middle East.