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Fatah's "Old Guard" in Peril as Members Seek Reform

(Washington Times) Paul Martin - The decision to convene the Fatah Revolutionary Council was driven in part by unprecedented anger among ordinary Palestinians, who say their fragile economy is being undermined by massive corruption. Pointing to packets of potato chips, cornflakes, soaps, and chocolates made in Israel, Russia, and Italy, a Bethlehem shopkeeper complained that the products cost up to 50% more in the West Bank than in Israel. The Fatah-controlled PA licenses only one importer per product, he said, and then receives a 3% monthly kickback which goes directly into the bank accounts of senior officials. The importer, meanwhile, is able to grossly overcharge for the products because of the lack of competition.
2004-02-27 00:00:00
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