(USA Today) Martin Patience - The struggle to establish law and order in Gaza, the first significant piece of territory under full Palestinian control, is a key test for Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas and the governing Palestinian Authority. The Gaza turmoil has raised concern that Abbas and his government won't be able to contain the factions and militants there, a necessary step toward gaining more territory and establishing a Palestinian state. Mahmoud Zaher, a Hamas leader, says his group won't put down its weapons: "You think the people are foolish enough to run an effective armed struggle against the Israelis...and lastly to give it as a gift for Mr. Abbas, who is running a corrupt system?"
2005-10-14 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive