Too many observers overlook the positive effects of militant social work. Hezbollah has made gains in Lebanon by providing social services and by funding worthwhile projects in the localities.
The Sadrists in Iraq are providing the bulk of services including those to the poorest of the poor. Seventy percent of Iraqis back Muqtada al Sadr's effort to oust the Americans. If they had any brains, they would leave Iraq quickly and silently.
Leaders such as the ones in Hamas have no program except to steal from their countrymen. The Palestinians would do well to organize to build positive assets and institutions towards the betterment of everyone.