The Palestinian Authority is facing troubles of such magnitude that analysts say the Arafat regime may be nearing its end. Some institutions within the PLO-controlled areas are on the verge of financial collapse. Many aspects of the PA courts, welfare projects, and low-level law enforcement are no longer functioning. Segments of the Arab population that were sympathetic to Arafat are shifting support to the Islamic fundamentalist organizations Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Senior Arab leader Ziad Abu Ziad admits that the PLO leadership is losing control over the Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Apparently out of desperation, Arafat loyalist Marwan Barghouti has sent calls to the rival Islamic movements to join together in a national unity leadership. In a Ramallah press conference, he said that there is an \"urgent need\" for the various groups to unite.
Another factor leading to disenchantment in the Arab street is the precision of the Israeli strikes against Arab terrorists. Israeli bombs and missiles reach top-level terrorists when they briefly step into a phone booth, or meet in supposedly top secret hide outs. The PA is deemed helpless in providing protection in the areas under its control. In an attempt to regain some popularity, the PA began hunting down collaborators with Israel, and handed down the death penalty on several suspects in ten-minute trials. Recent reports indicate that some Palestinian leaders are busy securing for themselves places of refuge in various Arab countries should they need to escape on short notice.
Another factor leading to disenchantment in the Arab street is the precision of the Israeli strikes against Arab terrorists. Israeli bombs and missiles reach top-level terrorists when they briefly step into a phone booth, or meet in supposedly top secret hide outs. The PA is deemed helpless in providing protection in the areas under its control. In an attempt to regain some popularity, the PA began hunting down collaborators with Israel, and handed down the death penalty on several suspects in ten-minute trials. Recent reports indicate that some Palestinian leaders are busy securing for themselves places of refuge in various Arab countries should they need to escape on short notice.