Hamas has spent over two decades establishing a presence on North American college campuses and in media, aiming to influence public opinion and garner support for its activities. Lara Burns, an attorney and former FBI agent who now leads terrorism research at George Washington University, asserts that Hamas's strategy has been effective.

In a recent interview, Burns discussed the role of the Muslim Brotherhood, a global Islamist organization that seeks to enforce a strict interpretation of Islamic law. She explained that Hamas serves as the armed wing of the Brotherhood, opposing the secular Palestine Liberation Organization and challenging Israel's existence.

The conversation also touched on Musa Abu Marzouk, who obtained U.S. citizenship through a student visa. Under his leadership, Hamas developed a complex infrastructure in the United States. This included the Holy Land Foundation for fundraising, the Islamic Association for Palestine for propaganda, and the United Association for Studies and Research as a political think tank. These organizations support Hamas's goals of radicalization, narrative control, and violence against Israel.

Burns highlighted a significant meeting in Philadelphia in 1993, which was recorded through wiretaps and later referenced in the U.S. v. Holy Land Foundation trial. During this meeting, Hamas leaders discussed strategies to undermine the Oslo Accords and expand their influence in media, universities, and politics. They aimed to disguise their true intentions of destroying Israel by presenting their agenda as one of charity and human rights.

Burns pointed out the difficulties in prosecuting such organizations due to their complex deceptions, constitutional protections, and steadfast commitment to their cause. She emphasized that combating their influence requires extensive public education to reveal their true objectives and prevent the manipulation of well-meaning individuals, especially on college campuses.