In a meeting that brought together both the heads of British intelligence, Richard Moore, and American intelligence, William Burns, on Saturday, Moore stated that “Hamas is both a movement and an idea, and it can only be defeated by a better idea.”

The use of the term “idea” likely acknowledges that Hamas is not merely a military or political organization, but rather an ideological movement based on deep-rooted beliefs held by its supporters both domestically and abroad. This recognition implies that a military confrontation alone will not suffice to overcome Hamas. His statement that confronting it requires a “better idea” suggests that the solution lies in offering attractive political, social, and economic alternatives to the people, which would change the conditions of the Palestinians (especially the grassroots supporters of Hamas). It might also hint at engaging in a comprehensive political process to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict entirely. There are undoubtedly elements of pressure on Israel in this, implying that military solutions and escalation will not be effective in the long term, and that a comprehensive review of Israeli policies toward Gaza and Hamas is necessary.

Undoubtedly, the meeting of the intelligence chiefs, including those (from the “kitchen and the chef”), raises a profound question about the effectiveness of traditional intelligence methods in confronting ideological organizations in the past (as an “idea”). It also raises the question of whether they indeed have an alternative idea or plan under consideration, especially since their meeting comes after Hamas has lost much of its military and human resources in this war.

In essence, if the “better idea” Moore referred to is not presented, this could mean the continued growth of extremist ideologies, whether from Hamas or other groups, which may lead to an escalation in violence and instability throughout the region.

Dr. Zaher Ihssan Baadarani
Presidency office
Statement
Syrian Future Movement (SFM)

On the meeting of the directors of the American and British intelligence agencies today