In Search Of Pragmatism

Petra Marquardt-Bigman notes what the term means for Jihadists:

Of course we often hear that there are also more pragmatic leaders in Hamas -- but being more pragmatic than Rayyan doesn't necessarily mean much. Currently, the more pragmatic Hamas leaders make sure that they stay out of harm's way, but it is also clear from their conduct over the past one-and-a-half years since Hamas took control of Gaza that pragmatism for Hamas means first and foremost trying to tighten their hold on power over the coastal strip and its 1.5 million residents -- irrespective of the consequences for the welfare of the people of Gaza.