[Hudson Institute New York] Khaled Abu Toameh - Many in Washington and European are hoping that the Fatah faction, which controls the Western-backed Palestinian Authority, is headed toward moderation and reforms as it holds its sixth general assembly in Bethlehem this week. But there are growing indications that Fatah is actually headed in the opposite direction, as seen in calls by top representatives for a "strategic alliance" with Iran. Hopes that the conference would pave the way for the emergence of a new and younger leadership have also faded. By adopting a hard-line approach toward the conflict and blocking reforms, Fatah is sending a message both to the Palestinians and the world that it's still not ready for any form of compromise or reforms. As such, Fatah remains part of the problem, and not part of the solution.
2009-08-05 06:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive