The problem for the Palestinians, as it has always been, is not directly Israel or America. It is not the influence of Syria or Iran. It is not the lack of support from neighboring arab countries or their treatment as second-class citizens when they flee to those countries for support.
All of those issues are real and must be remedied, but they will not be addressed until the Palestinians deal with the issue of leadership. For decades, the leadership of the Palestinians has been monopolized by Fatah, mainly under the leadership of Yasser Arafat.
There is little doubt that Arafat loved his people and wanted to eventually see those people liberated, but he was not a good leader, was certainly not qualified to make any of their dreams reality, and eventually drowned himself in his own corruption. Mahmoud Abbas is, unfortunately, even worse. He has remained in a bent-over position for Israel since taking office as “President.”
G.W. Bush and his administration pushed for general elections. In fact, despite everyone else (except the palestinian people) begging him not to, Bush insisted that they be allowed to democratically elect their representatives and their future. Enter: Hamas, a well-organized, well-funded, well-respected, and well-on-their-way-to-liberation…uh, terrorist organization?
Yes, the Palestinian people chose their leadership, undoubtedly the best leadership, but instead of supporting Hamas’ transition from armed resistance to politics, the West punished the people. As a result, the people are more divided, more confused, and more angry at Israel and America than ever before. Fatah al-Islam is only the beginning, and it will only get worst.
Look to any great revolution, and behind it, you will find a great leader. People like Khomeini, Mandela, and many others had all been accused of terrorism, but it was their charisma and unflinching faith, not their controversy, that drove them to success.
It will only get worse before it gets better. The pointless wall that Israel is building around the occupied territories will eventually crumble. The only question is, will it crumble under a wrecking ball or under bombs? Let us pray that the occupiers wise up and opt for a peaceful two-state solution, before those they have oppressed leave them no choice.
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