Friday, October 27, 2006

To Coup or Not to Coup that is Abbas’ Question

The big question for the Gaza Strip is whether Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas will stage a coup of the Hamas government. Ynet News summarizes:
Tensions in the Palestinian Authority are reaching a new high, and various elements have expressed their fear of a particularly violent weekend, this following reports of alleged plans by Palestinian security forces to intensify their activities in protest of the Hamas government’s failure to pay long-due salaries.

Workers’ unions are joining the campaign, and Hamas has warned of a possible civil revolt. According to reports, the security forces plan to block roads and hold a violent rally. Tensions between Hamas government’s special security force and the Preventive Security Forces may deteriorate to violent confrontations. Just a few weeks ago 13 Palestinians wee killed in clashes that spilled over into the West Bank.

Hamas officials said commanders in the security forces are attempting to overthrow the government, but President Mahmoud Abbas had denied the claims. On Thursday the president met with senior Hamas officials at the Mukata complex in Ramallah and promised that the protests will not develop into an organized coup.

Despite the calming message, Palestinian sources in Gaza report high states of readiness on both sides, pursuant to declarations that professional unions representing teachers and PA clerks intend to intensify their strike. One possibility that the unions are looking into is to declare a civilian rebellion against the government or organized civil disobedience.

I bet it will be a hot time in the Big Strip for all. Good thing I bought popcorn. What I want to watch is; if Abbas supports a coup attempt, will he in turn be coup’d by his own Fatah movement?

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