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| Middle East |
| PM threatens to quit as Arafat hinders change |
| 2003-04-08 |
| Facing an imminent deadline to form a new government, Palestinian prime minister Mahmud Abbas is meeting dogged resistance to change from his boss Yasser Arafat (1927-2003?) and has even threatened to quit in protest at the obstacles being presented. Abbas, also known by his nom de guerre Abu Mazen, was "astonished" by the corruption he uncovered in a fact-finding mission to Gaza after he was appointed on March 19, said one official. Abbas has spent much of his time so far in Gaza, which unlike the West Bank has not been reoccupied by Israel and where the Palestinian Authority, set up under the 1993 Oslo accords and headed by Arafat, still functions. After extensive talks with various factions and individuals, private sector business and human rights workers, Abbas was "astonished by the degree of corruption" he found, especially in the security apparatus, one official said. The range of abuses by the security services ranged from protection rackets to major mismanagement. When he returned to the Fatah Central Committee on Saturday he told Arafat he was ready to quit, insiders said, but stressed they believed the threat was a bargaining tactic. The two men, co-founders of the mainstream Fatah faction, argued over the role of the security forces and the need for reforms, with Arafat insisting the apparatus was under his jurisdiction and he that would take steps, not Abbas. No surprise here, unless it's that he actually threatened to quit. The PA is a sick critter. Its only saving grace is that Hamas is sicker. |
| Posted by:Fred Pruitt |
| #4 Brian and Capsu: connoisseurs of fine films, where the french knew there place except for the few real resistance people....mmmm and Ingrid |
| Posted by: Frank G 2003-04-08 20:24:27 |
| #3 Your winnings, Capsu.... |
| Posted by: Brian 2003-04-08 17:36:01 |
| #2 No matter who or what (not always identifiable as human) leads the PA, it will never command more than 80%-85% of the population. Half of the remainder will support the terrorist groups (Al Aqsa, Hammas, Hezbollah, etc. - any of which is capable, thanks to funding from the Saudi's, Syria, Iran, and Iraq, oops, not anymore! Heh. Er, as I was saying, any of which is capable of torpedoing any "peace process" anytime they wish. Now if the money and arms and other forms of support were cut off (Iran, Syria, and Saudi were somehow put on ice), then the "leaders" of these terror clans would rather quickly vacate the premises. Without money to buy protection and cooperation from the locals (now accustomed to being bribed for help), the loss of social status and prestige (you just know they are feted as heros - and are addicted to it), and the sudden loss of income (which is the real driver) these cretins would finally get out of the way. Probably go to France to enjoy whatever cash they skimmed and stashed. I would imagine that some might actually be relieved - the Israelis might forget about them if they left...not! But that's another story, eh? The PA couldn't run a lemonade stand. They'd eat all of the lemons and steal the cashbox. I think the real fools are the morons who support them. They are stealing these clowns blind. |
| Posted by: PD 2003-04-08 15:08:06 |
| #1 He was Shocked...Shocked to see so much corruption |
| Posted by: Capsu78 2003-04-08 14:49:08 |