The Toronto Star introduces readers to Hamas’ new media advisor, Nashat Aqtash. If Hamas fares as well as expected in this week’s legislative elections, expect to see Aqtash’s name more frequently:
Aqtash, bluntly speaking, is a spin doctor, newly installed by Hamas to rebrand the movement for Western consumption.
On leave from Ramallah’s Birzeit University, where he teaches media studies, Aqtash has been hired as an outside consultant to explain how a kinder, gentler Hamas is poised to take the reins of Palestinian power — and what a good thing that is for all concerned.
“Hamas is recognizing that the media war is more important than the actual war on the ground,” Aqtash tells the Star from his Ramallah office….
“I believe in the Gandhi approach to liberation and I believe Hamas is taking this route. At least let’s give it a try.”
Aqtash is being paid $180,000 to lead Hamas’ month-long pre-election media campaign.
