Analysis: Palestinian power struggle...

[cantwealljustgetalong]

...

"All his career, Arafat has wanted to be Number One, with no Number Two," as one analyst in Ramallah put it.

But it is a shame, the analyst added, that once again Mr Arafat appeared to be sacrificing his people's aspirations for a better future in order to secure his own political future.

...

For one thing, power politics as played by Mr Arafat has created a Palestinian political class which, analysts say, is utterly unfit to deal with the challenges it faces.

Historically, the winners have been the street fighters rather than the educated classes. Men like Jibril Rajoub, whose sudden promotion on Sunday was probably brought about, analysts say, by the way he has managed to keep a large and loyal following around him despite a widely reported falling out with Mr Arafat last year.

EDITED BY ADMIN: COPYRIGHT

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/3184701.stm

[Darranar]

1. Very interesting...

I don't think that Arafat is or will ever be a suitable leader for the Palestinians, but as those ordinary Palestinians in the articles says, at this point it doesn't matter much. Once free elections start, if they ever do, then it might.

[tinnypriv]

2. Ma'ariv reports that Abu Mazen and Dahlan will resign next week

That is denied by the PA of course.