Rise of Gaza middle class fuels resentment toward Hamas rulers, say wealth isn’t tricking down

[oberliner]

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — A budding middle class in the impoverished Gaza Strip is flaunting its wealth, sipping coffee at gleaming new cafes, shopping for shoes at the new tiny shopping malls, and fueling perhaps the most acrimonious grass roots resentment yet toward the ruling Hamas movement.

This middle class, which has become visible at the same time as a mini-construction boom in this blockaded territory, is celebrating its weddings in opulent halls and vacationing in newly built beach bungalows. That level of consumption may be modest by Western standards, but it’s in startling contrast to the grinding poverty of most Gazans, who rely on U.N. food handouts to get by.

Some of the well-off are Hamas loyalists. That rankles many Gaza residents because the conservative Islamic movement gained popularity by tending to the poor — through charitable aid, education and medical care — along with its armed struggle against Israel.

“Hamas has become rich at the expense of the people,” fumed a 22-year-old seamstress, Nisrine, as she stitched decorative applique onto a dress. She wouldn’t disclose her family name, not wanting to be seen criticizing the militant group.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle-east/rise-of-gaza-middle-class-fuels-resentment-toward-hamas-rulers-say-wealth-isnt-tricking-down/2011/08/23/gIQAjWp2XJ_story.html

[rbee01]

1. I hope for continued prosperity for them

That, combined with a just peace agreement for both sides, will thwart the extremists who want continued, non-stop war.

Now, if we could only do the same in the US!

[oberliner]

2. For the wealthy Hamas loyalists at the expense of the vast number of impoverished Gazans?

That seems an odd position to take - and a strange reaction to this article.

[LeftishBrit]

3. Probably meant for the ordinary Gazans; at least, I hope so.

'Middle class' can be a confusing term, as it can be used to mean anything from 'ordinary people' to 'people who are in jobs, but not well off', to 'people who are rich but not aristocrats'.

[oberliner]

6. But "ordinary Gazans" are not enjoying prosperity

This article, in fact, says the exact opposite.

The only people in Gaza whose prosperity could continue would be these Hamas loyalists.

[LeftishBrit]

8. I interpreted it as a comment on the protests by the ordinary Gazans..

combined perhaps with a hurried reading, with a misinterpretation of the way that 'middle class' is used in this case.

But I didn't wrote the post; so just guessing.

Anyway Hamas are a rotten government.

[LeftishBrit]

4. Sounds like so many places...

increasing inequality, wealth for some and poverty for many; and often the rulers favouring their loyalists.

Ugh. Hamas are showing themselves more and more in their true colours: right-wing in every possible way.

[aquart]

5. What ? We only like them when they're murdering Jews?

Fair weather friends.

[rbee01]

7. Tongue in Cheek...

Exactly... :0