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Why Doesn't Abbas Disarm the Militias?

(Ha'aretz) Danny Rubinstein - During the period of Israeli military presence and settlements in Gaza, the Palestinian street accepted with understanding the existence of militias and armed cells that attacked Israeli targets, and even revered their members. But after the withdrawal, the public wishes to distance itself from these militias. "No one needs you to walk around with weapons in the streets," is the message contained in a series of public statements regarding those whom the Palestinian media term "resistance fighters." During the five years of the intifada, the various militias became an inseparable part of everyday life in the Strip. This is true not only of groups affiliated with Hamas and other political movements, but also of gangs that do not accept any external authority. Often these are local gangs, or even the militias of large extended families. Thus Abu Mazen cannot make do with issuing an order to dismantle the terror infrastructure. He has to alter the way of life that has taken root in the Gaza Strip over several years.
2005-10-27 00:00:00
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