BBC (Sunday): Fatah faces reform crossroads

[Jack Rabbit]

From the BBC Online
Dated Sunday March 27

Fatah faces reform crossroads
By Alan Johnston
BBC News, Gaza

For decades, Yasser Arafat's Fatah faction has been at the heart of the Palestinian political scene - the traditional party of power.

But now Fatah has big problems. It is divided, and widely seen as being in desperate need of reform.

Fatah's troubles were dramatically illustrated by television pictures that emerged recently from a West Bank hotel.

The footage showed a gathering of party activists called to discuss reforms.

But suddenly a group of armed Fatah men strode in and broke up the meeting. As one of the gunmen roared a furious speech, another started hurling chairs.

The message was clear. Reforming Fatah will not be easy.

Read more.

[Lithos]

1. There will be a fragmentation I believe

Of those either unwilling for any peaceful change and those who find they will no longer profit by change.

However, I also think there will be additions who will support the moderate position and add back any missing strength.

L-