(Wall Street Journal) Khaled Abu Toameh - Many Palestinians are convinced that Arafat's death has created a golden opportunity to get rid of the corrupt regime he left behind. Hamas's decision to focus on financial corruption, nepotism, and anarchy is regarded by many Palestinians as wise. Had the Islamic movement put the destruction of Israel and the continuation of suicide bombings at the top of its platform, it would not have attracted such support: The majority of Palestinians are either exhausted by the intifada or simply don't believe that the elimination of Israel is realistic. The rampant corruption of Arafat and the PA top brass - the ones who are accused of mishandling the billions that the international community, including the U.S., poured in after Oslo - has been a boon to Hamas.
2006-01-24 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive