Forum Views ()
Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Fatah reform problems highlight Palestinian split
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
Yahoo! Search
Search:
Sign InNew User? Sign Up
News Home -
Help
Navigation
Primary Navigation
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Secondary Navigation
Africa
Europe
Latin America
Middle East
North America
Search
Search:
Fatah reform problems highlight Palestinian split
Reuters - Saturday, August 8
By Douglas Hamilton
ADVERTISEMENT
BETHLEHEM, West Bank - The first congress in 20 years of the dominant Palestinian party that would seal a future peace pact with Israel struggled on Friday to adopt the reforms it needs to restore the faith of voters.
The Fatah movement -- steered for decades by the autocratic hand of the late Yasser Arafat and now led by President Mahmoud Abbas -- is plagued by internal splits compounded by a feud with its bitter Islamist rival, Hamas.
The congress in Bethlehem, its first since 1989, was supposed to launch changes by injecting new blood into Fatah's executive ranks and establishing greater transparency.
Instead, it has exposed acrimonious divisions which, on top of the crippling split between secular Fatah and Islamist Hamas, stand in the way of Palestinian hopes of an end to Israeli occupation and the creation of a Palestinian homeland.
"Every Palestinian is keen to see an end to this. It is, I think, one of the darkest chapters in the Palestinian struggle ever," said Sabry Saydam, vice-president of the congress and an adviser to Abbas.
Arab commentators from Mauritania to Yemen on Friday applauded a blunt warning to the Palestinians this week from Saudi King Abdullah, who said there would never be a Palestinian state "as long as the Palestinian house is divided."
Unlike Fatah, Hamas refuses to renounce the fight against Israel or accept its right to exist, and has been locked in a power struggle with Fatah for the past four years. Abdullah said the feud had done more damage to the Palestinian cause "in a few months" than Israel had over years of conflict.
"I agree with what he says completely," said Nabil Shaath, a veteran member of Fatah's Central Committee at the congress in Bethlehem, now in its fourth day.
Shaath, seeking re-election, pledged to continue striving for reconciliation. But many ordinary Palestinians were losing patience with the Hamas-Fatah split, and Fatah's leadership.
VOTING BY REMOTE
"We call on all the Arabs to save us from this disaster we are living," said Saad Areefi in the Gaza Strip, the enclave now ruled by Hamas alone, but blockaded by Israel. "Punish those who don't want to end the split."
The West Bank and Gaza, separated by Israeli territory, would together form a future Palestinian state in a peace deal with Israel -- except they are now governed by two rivals whose mutual hostility seems irrepressible.
Hamas prevented over 300 Fatah members from leaving Gaza to attend the convention, in a bid to derail the proceedings.
The tactic created headaches for three days. But on Friday a message from 299 Gaza delegates to the 2,300 in Bethlehem said they would vote by phone or email if necessary to play their part in choosing the two main party executive bodies.
There was no indication if Hamas would try to prevent them.
Because of its anti-peace stance, Hamas will have no obvious part in a peace plan that U.S. President Barack Obama is expected to launch in the coming weeks.
If stalled peace talks resume, President Abbas, as head of Fatah and the Palestine Liberation Organisation, will be Israel's main interlocutor.
Holding this congress -- Fatah's first on Palestinian soil in 44 years of existence -- is part of his efforts to recapture the support of Palestinian voters in an election due in early 2010, after a shock loss to Hamas in 2006.
Fatah is seeking to throw off its reputation for corruption and cronyism. But wary reformists say the aging "old guard" has stacked the convention. There have been charges of vote-buying and nepotism, and angry exchanges behind closed doors.
Email Story
IM Story
Printable View
Blog This
Sign in to recommend this article »
0 users recommend
Related Articles: World
U.S. overhaul seeks civil migrant detention systemReuters - Friday, August 7
Russia-Georgia war still felt one year on: AmnestyAFP - Friday, August 7
No proof of rape by UN troops found in east DRCongoAFP - Friday, August 7
Britain set to free great train robber BiggsAFP - Friday, August 7
Soldiers occupy Honduras hospitals as strikes spreadAFP - Friday, August 7
Most Popular – World
Viewed
Scientists decode HIV genome structure: study
Britain set to free great train robber Biggs
Pacific hurricane strengthens to Category Four storm
Cupcakes for reporter on Obama's birthday
State-rescued bank RBS mired in bad debts
View Complete List »
Search:
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy
- Terms of Service
- Community
- Intellectual Property Rights Policy
- Help
Other News on Saturday, 8 August 2009 Police: 37 die in Iraq as bombs target Shiites
Bulgaria looks to techno park on old steel site
Britain frees Great Train Robber Biggs
Malaysia denies Internet filter will curb dissent
Surprise fall in US unemployment level
Dollar falls before US jobs data
Drugmakers to supply cheap HIV treatments
Fatah reform problems highlight Palestinian split
Death toll in N. Iraq bombing rises to 21
Aide says Pakistani Taliban leader killed by US
Indonesia police in shootout with suspected militants
Flood threat along river in southwest China diminishing: ministry
GOP Sen. Martinez tells supporters he's resigning
NY court: US govt can withhold Spitzer documents
12 killed in Philippines flooding: officials
'Militants' planning attacks in Delhi arrested: police
Former Beijing airport boss executed in China
Germ warfare scientist Wallace Pannier dies at 81
2 window washers rescued from Calif. high-rise
Arrest of leader a major blow to Sri Lankan rebels
US, Swiss get more time to finalize UBS tax deal
Ex-NY judge gets prison for recruiting prostitutes
Myanmar: Terrorists tried to disrupt Suu Kyi trial
Ohio bus driver was on phone when man killed
3 British troops, 1 American killed in Afghanistan
AP source: Jackson doc gave sedatives before death
Philippine floods kill 12, including 3 Europeans
Gun owners sue DC for right to carry weapons
Clinton visits Mandela, tours his archives
China keen to boost growth, avoid loan quotas: officials
Air India plans to go low-cost to survive
Chinese appliance tycoon's assets frozen in HK
China fund lost 2.1 pct on global portfolio in '08
SKorea, India sign free trade agreement
G.I. Joe should be court-martialed
| Entertainment
|
Pakistani stocks, rupee up on IMF loan hopes
Dance queen Lady GaGa fashions booming career
| Entertainment
|
Planner: China rebound still depends on stimulus
Kazakhs cut interest rates for 6th time in 2009
Gun Foundation Sues D.C. For Not Issuing Weapon Permits
Indonesian anti-terror police in shoot out on Java
Hurricane Felicia Continues To Weaken; Set For Early Tuesday Landfall
Martinez Resigns Senate Seat, Governor To Appoint Replacement
Taiwan's Jay Chou cast as Kato in Green Hornet
| Entertainment
|
Nine-Term Rep. Maloney Drops Plans To Challenge Gillibrand In Senate
Promising New Wastewater Treatment Technique Produces Electricity, Desalinates Water
Sanford's Wife Moving Out of Governor's Mansion
London's theaters defy downturn with bumper year
Reports: Retiring Sen. Mel Martinez Decides Not To Finish Term
Forty years on, Beatles fans flock to Abbey Road crosswalk
Responding To Jobs Report, Reid Says Congress Will Consider Extending Unemployment Benefits
U.S. Economy Sheds Less-Than-Anticipated Jobs In July By 247,000; Unemployment Rate Drops 9.4%
Steamed and stirred: Hot chocolate crowned Guatemalan patrimony
Insurer AIG Swings To First Quarterly Profit In Q2 On Business Stabilization
Salzburg celebrates Handel year with new 'Theodora'
AP source: Jackson doc gave sedatives before death
Comedian Adam Carolla to publish a book of rants
Madonna's Slovenian concert cancelled
David Byrne makes music with London building
Broadway revival of `Hair' recoups its investment
Pilots in SC Learjet crash heard noise, hit brakes
Britain in Afghanistan for 40 years: next army chief
Indonesia believes top militant killed: sources
| International
|
German ship released by pirates arrives in Kenya
Pro-Georgian blogger target of Internet attacks
Freddie Mac swings to profit, after steep losses
NATO probes two Afghan civilian casualties
| International
|
Iraq bombs targeting Shi'ites kill 50
Surprise fall in rate of US unemployment
iTunes' Mexico launch could shake up digital market
Iraq bombs kill 50, mostly Shi'ites targeted
| International
|
Russia rejects new Politkovskaya probe
Pakistani Taliban chief Mehsud 'dead'
U.S. government will not get secret company Internet data
Manson murders back in spotlight 40 years on
Venezuela's Chavez returns envoy to Colombia
| International
|
47 Iraqis killed in Shiite holy day attacks
India detains suspect North Korean sugar ship
| International
|
Number of missing from Tonga ferry put at 85
| International
|
U.S. moves toward releasing young Guantanamo detainee
| International
|
British soldiers killed in Afghan attacks
Obama says no quick way to end Honduras crisis
| International
|
U.S. government will not get secret company Internet data
| Technology
|
iTunes' Mexico launch could shake up digital market
| Technology
|
Mouse builds nest in Oregon ATM with $20 bills
Drunk police intern arrested for impersonating cop
FBI sting sheds negative light on NJ development
Former Jack Daniel's master distiller dies at 69
Asian terror suspect Noordin dead: TV
Philly officer accused of unauthorized Obama check
Medical Examiner Says Cocaine Contributed To Billy Mays' Death
Angry Americans disrupt town-hall healthcare talks
China probes Internet bootcamp after teen dies
| Technology
|
Asia struggles to find serious athletics medal hopes
Ark. doctor, wife face new charges in weapons case
1 dead, 4 missing as Typhoon Morakot slams Taiwan
Pakistan says Taliban chief is probably dead
Surprisingly strong jobs data signal turning point
Unusual ruling costs Appleby at World Golf event
Mich. police: Texas man used 5-month-old as shield
Ark. mom allegedly drank before sons drowned
Salmonella product recalls
Siddle, Clark put Aussies on top in fourth Test
China blames unrest on foreign-based separatists
Pakistani c.bank buys 20 bln rupees of T-bills
IMF boosts loan to Pakistan by $3.2 bln
News Corp tests charge-for-content policy at Sunday Times: report
Japan PM frontrunner calls for single Asian currency
Mad Men still spellbinding
| Entertainment
|
Michael Douglas' son could get life in prison
| Entertainment
|
Indonesian police exchange gunfire with militants
Iran Cannes stars seek asylum in Britain: report
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Live metal thrives with Mayhem, Metallica tours
| Entertainment
|
Live metal thrives with Mayhem, Metallica tours
Asian pop star to play Kato in "Green Hornet"
Beckham on hand as 'Idol' resumes post-Paula
Ludacris takes on many roles beyond rap
US media giants press court to allow J.D. Salinger spin-off
Michael Douglas' son could get life in prison
"Mad Men" still spellbinding
Founder of punk's Mink DeVille dies at 58
Defendants confess helping West at Iran mass trial
Sarkozy played 'big role' ending Georgia war: Medvedev
Taiwan's Jay Chou goes to Hollywood: report
Pakistani Taliban sows doubt over leader's death
| International
|
Explosions at besieged 'terror hideout' in Indonesia
Abbas reelected Fatah chief at strife-torn congress
Defendants confess helping West at Iran mass trial
| International
|
French lecturer, embassy staffers on trial in Iran
Iran puts French woman on trial
Fighting kills at least 17 in Somali pirate port
| International
|
War not won despite 'death' of Taliban chief: Islamabad
NATO friendly fire wounds 5 Afghan policemen
| International
|
Clinton plants flowers in South African township
| International
|
Fatah endorses Abbas as party leader
| International
|
Georgia war changed map for good: Russia's Medvedev
| International
|
One Turkish soldier killed in PKK violence
| International
|
Typhoon Morakot leaves 6 dead or missing in Taiwan
Malaysia confirms 3 new swine flu-related deaths
Pakistanis admit helping in Mehsud missile strike
Beijing marks Olympic Games first anniversary
Sotomayor Makes History By Taking Oath As First Hispanic Supreme Court Justice
US calls for Aug San Suu Kyi's unconditional release
Obama says `worst may be behind us' on recession
Voting begins near Sri Lanka's former war zone
Army Finds Soldier's Electrocution Death In Iraq As Accidental
U.S. government will not get secret company Internet data
| Technology
|
Taiwan's Jay Chou goes to Hollywood: report
The Nation's Weather
Consumer Credit Falls In June For Fifth Straight Month
Malaysia probes Philippine diplomat's killing
Two Failed Florida Banks Close Door
Weather forecast for the Asia-Pacific region
Demonstrators disrupt health care forums
US sounds out new S.African leader
NASA Council Suggests Revival Of Advanced Concept Institute
AP Enterprise: Faulty speed sensors found on jets
Obese Texas inmate hides gun in his flabs of fat
Eunice Kennedy Shriver remains at Mass. hospital
Obama's health care plan helped by drug industry
SD Zoo's online Panda Cam crashes due to overload
Taiwan's Chou cast as Kato in 'Green Hornet'
Top terror leader reportedly killed in Indonesia
Indonesia to ask Noordin family for DNA comparison
Taiwan's Chou cast as Kato in 'Green Hornet'
Ben Stein loses NY Times column over endorsement
Aerosmith guitarist: Tyler broke shoulder in fall
Jermaine Jackson's 'Smile' coming to iTunes
Billy Mays' family: Never saw signs of cocaine use
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights