Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh killed in Iran: Analyzing the Honor and Shame Paradigm

Written by Stefan van der Berg

Hamas leader Ismail Hanyeh was assassinated in the early hours of July 31, 2024, in a strike on his home in the capital of Iran.

Ismail Haniyeh has been part of Hamas for decades, in recent years running the militant group’s political operations from exile, and emerging as one of its most visible leaders during the war with Israel in Gaza.

Hamas and Iranian state media said Wednesday that the 62-year-old had been killed in the Iranian capital Tehran.

Earlier this week, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated, 'I don’t think war is inevitable. I maintain that. I think there’s always room and opportunities for diplomacy, '

When you think of geopolitical tensions, terms like ‘treaties’, ‘negotiations’, and 'opportunities for diplomacy' come to mind. However, in the Middle East, another powerful concept shapes diplomatic interactions: honour. This deeply rooted cultural construct can influence everything from personal behavior to national policies, transforming political decisions into matters of personal and communal pride.

Understanding this intricate web of honour is crucial, especially in situations as the assassination of the Hamas Leader Chief Ismail Haniyeh.

His assassination on Iranian soil has sent shockwaves through the region, not only because of his stature but also due to the implications it holds for Iran's geopolitical standing. Iran, a strong supporter of Hamas, sees this act as a significant affront to their honour and sovereignty.

Understanding the Assassination: A Blow to Honour

His assassination is not just a political event; it's a significant cultural affront. To understand why this act is more than meets the eye, it's crucial to grasp the concept of honour in Middle Eastern societies. Honor plays an essential role, dictating social interactions, family dynamics, and even state-level decisions.

The stakes are high. Any perceived weakness or lack of response could be seen as a failure to uphold national honour, which might lead to internal and external perception issues. Within Iran, leaders are under immense pressure from hardliners to demonstrate strength and resolve. In the context of the Middle East, failing to respond could be seen as a sign of weakness, further compounding shame.

Internationally, Iran's response will be closely watched. Allies and adversaries alike will scrutinize the actions taken, gauging Iran’s strength and willingness to defend its dignity. This situation places Iran in a delicate balancing act between demonstrating strength and avoiding escalation into broader conflict.

How will Iran navigate this intricate dance of retribution without igniting a larger inferno in a world where honour and shame wield such influence.

Every act resonates far beyond the immediate borders, creating lasting impacts on future interactions.

From a Christian Perspective

The concepts of shame and honour are deeply ingrained in the social fabric, much like they are in the broader regional culture. As a minority group, Christians often have to navigate these values in a way that maintains their religious identity while also respecting the dominant cultural norms. Honor is closely tied to family reputation, community standing, and religious fidelity. Any action perceived as dishonourable does have significant repercussions not just for the individual but for their entire community.