Palestinian Authority Defends Terrorists, Bombers

The Palestinian Authority under Chairman Yasser Arafat wants to be seen as an equal partner in the peace process that could, eventually, end hostilities in the region. I doubt that that will be possible so long as they continue to defend and support active terrorist groups like Aksa Martyrs Brigades.

The Jerusalem Post reports that the PA refuses to dismantle or disarm this group, saying that they have a right to play a role in the region’s politics:

"We have clearly declared that the Aksa Martyrs Brigades are part of Fatah," Qurei said in an interview with the London-based Asharq al-Awsat newspaper. "We are committed to them and Fatah bears full responsibility for the group." Qurei said his top priority now is to safeguard the security of the Fatah gunmen who are wanted by Israel. He said they would be integrated into Fatah's institutions and would be paid salaries.

"We are working toward ensuring three issues for them on the basis of their adherence to the PLO's political program," Qurei said. "First, they have the right to play a political role within the framework of Fatah, and this is guaranteed for each member. Second, we are seeking to ensure their personal safety, because they are on the run and are wanted and threatened. We will achieve this with the help of the Quartet and the international community. Third, we will guarantee their living conditions economically and socially.

Israeli officials have argued that peace won’t be possible so long as Arafat leads the Palestinian Authority. There is some merit to the idea that the peace process would be aided if the Palestinians were led by someone who wasn’t as committed and linked to terrorism as Arafat, but in light of things like the above, one has to wonder if such a leader even exists.

As far as I know, when the Israelis find Jewish terrorists who want to kill Palestinians, they treat these people as they should by prosecuting and imprisoning them. Shouldn’t the Palestinian Authority do the same thing? So long as they aid and support a group that carries out suicide bombings, it’s difficult to regard them as a group with whom peace is even remotely possible.

Read More:

• Recent Books on Islam
• Islam
• Palestine and Israel
• War on Terrorism