NEWS: From Israeli Prison Inmate to Seek Arafat's Job

Yasser Arafat has left a void. Among many within the Fatah party and the general Palestinian population they seek a replacement, one that may not be endorsed by Israel, the U.S.A. and even the Fatah Revolutionary Council. From an Israeli prison Marwan Barghouti though serving several life terms indicated Thursday that he will run for Yasser Arafat's position as head of the Palestinian Authority. Which could add to a power struggle in the ruling Fatah movement between the "old guard of politicians" like Mahmoud Abbas and the younger generation of activists who have led uprisings in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.






According to the above report Barghouti is serving five life terms for his roles in attacks on Israelis. His supporters claim they are expecting that international pressure on Israel will free him.

Looking at Arafat's legacy.. Most of the free world seen him as nothing more than a criminal and a terrorist.

If Barghouti some how gains the support of the Palestinian people, and by some twist of fate wins the election from his prison cell.. Would Israel then free him bowing to international pressure?

If that happens it could not be more fitting to have replaced Arafat with a convicted criminal and terrorist.

Will Marwan Barghouti be the next leader of the PLO?



[edit on 25-11-2004 by UM_Gazz]

Israel would free him because they would want to. They certainly wouldn't do it from succumbing to international pressure. If they get on this guy's good side while he is in prison, the Israelis will control him while he is in power. All it takes is a little money and the promise of leadership and this guy will serve Israel as the head of Palestine.

[edit on 26-11-2004 by Jamuhn]

So many people around the world are praying for a leader to take over who will make the right decisions on behalf of his people, not himself, and bring his people to peace.

So can someone explain to me the logic of wanting someone to get elected who is currently serving jail time for his direct involvement in multiple murders? Is that the kind of leader that anyone thinks will be viewed as legitimate?

There are so many intelligent people who would qualify as statesmen and instead people want to pick a killer? I don't get it. The point is legitmacy and then statehood. Barghouti is a wonderful way to make sure neither happens.

Originally posted by Djarums
So can someone explain to me the logic of wanting someone to get elected who is currently serving jail time for his direct involvement in multiple murders? Is that the kind of leader that anyone thinks will be viewed as legitimate?

Logic? there is no logic in the Middle East!

The best answer I can give based on my own views of this Palestinian/Israeli conflict is .. This person is in an Israeli prison... To most of the world (like Arafat) he is nothing more than a terrorist.

To the Palestinians he is a war hero.. that may be hard to understand.. But you must look at all sides to see this.

Barghouti to the Palestinian people is what stands out among those who will fight for an independant Palestinian state... To them he is a hero.. to everyone else he is nothing more than a terrorist.

It really does not matter to the Israelis who they vote for... the outcome will do little to change the core issues that create conflict.

Many will not understand this but there is more at stake in the Middle East than what you may think. What has helped create the Radical Islamic Terrorists of our world all began in the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians... So though no one really seems to care about this single issue in this discussion... The conflict in Israel now is tied directly to those who will attack us in the future... so it is all connected.

No peace in Israel.. Means no peace for the rest of us.... But it may be too late for that now.. The Radical Islamists have another enemy now.

Arafat had what could be the best offer the Palestinians ever had from the Israelis during his leadership of the PLO.. An offer he turned down.

Maybe the Palestinians do not really want pease.. Perhaps the Israelis don't either, one thing is sure.. It does not end with the death of Arafat.. It only moves to another.

The conflict in the Middle East between the Palestinians and Israelis .. like it or not is tied to the rest of the world.. A world that is becoming more divided with each passing day.



[edit on 26-11-2004 by UM_Gazz]

When looking for somone to fill a politicians job you look at people with political backrounds.So if your looking for somone to fill a terrorists job why not start at the prisons. ALLAHAAHAHAHA!

[edit on 26-11-2004 by kam] I almost forgot you could have an election between, Saddam and that fudge packer Bin laden



[edit on 27-11-2004 by kam]