Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigade splits with Arafat over money

[drdon326]

Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat has been confronted by a vigorous struggle by his ruling Fatah movement to reduce his powers as part of a reform campaign.

Hundreds of Fatah members, including key veterans, have joined an effort for reform within the ruling Palestinian movement that would include elections and a significant reduction in Arafat's authority. The effort also envisioned the conversion of the Fatah-dominated Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigade into a political movement and a purge of most of Arafat's aides accused of corruption.

The document was drafted and distributed in wake of Arafat's decision to end most of the funding to Al Aqsa. Palestinian sources said Arafat significantly reduced funding to Al Aqsa in May after he agreed to a demand by donor nations to directly pay PA security forces through the Finance Ministry, headed by U.S.-educated minister Salam Fayyad.

"Over the last two months, the entire attitude by Al Aqsa toward Arafat has changed," a PA official said. "As long as Arafat was paying the bills, Al Aqsa consistently pledged allegiance to him. Once the money stopped, Al Aqsa has been looking for options."

http://www.worldtribune.com/worldtribune/front_4.html

[Spinzonner]

1. Does that mean they're now

Free Agent Terrorists ?

[The Magistrate]

2. As The Song Says, Doctor

"Money changes everything...."

[bigbillhaywood]

3. Interesting post, drdon. nt