HAMAS STRUGGLES TO BEAT BOYCOTT

Hamas Struggles to Beat Boycott Squeeze - Steven Gutkin and Diaa Hadid
The Islamic militants who violently seized control of Gaza are selling confiscated cigarettes, smuggling cash through underground tunnels and auctioning off government vehicles to make ends meet in the face of a global economic boycott. No bank will deal directly with Hamas, so it's making deals to receive funds from Iran, Arab countries and Islamic charities abroad. As the funding boycott is intensifying, Hamas is feeling the squeeze. It is charging hefty fees for vehicle registration and birth certificates, big companies are being dunned for heavier taxes, and Hamas officials are having to car pool. So far Hamas is managing to stay afloat financially, getting most of its money through merchants, moneychangers and charities, while letting these go-betweens keep 20% of any sum they deliver. (AP/Washington Post)