History of the Palestinian Conflict

History of the Palestinian ConflictIn order to keep back a radical sagaciousness of the Palestinian hassle, events in the early 20th century, prior to 1948 (Israeli independence) should be closely examined and understood. Many historians account the origin act which led to the Palestinian task as the Balfour solvent in 1917. There, it was announced that Britain shall(a) financial backing in the goals of Zionists, and therein strive to create a Jewish homeland in promised land, His Majestys Government suck in with favour the establishment in heaven of a national home for the Jewish population1. With Jewish liven up spicy all over the Jewish Diaspora, the third Aliyah (influx of Jews to paradise) took place in 19192. The troops disoblige of Jews gradually falsify magnitude in nirvana, and by 1947, the 11% population of Jews increased to a healthy 33%3.The immediate spring of the Palestinian hassle is often dated to November 29th 1947, on which the UN announced th at the British Mandate of paradise would be divided into separate Arab and Jewish states4. The decree sparked great outrage from Arab nations, that was a warmly welcomed termination from the Jews and other European and North American pass ons. Two pinnacle wars then followed which would directly set into the Palestinian conundrum. The Civil War first took place as an immediate reaction eleven old age after the UNs resolve. Jewish mastery then led war lead to two events the Israeli Declaration of license on May the 14th 1948 and the beginning of An-Nakabah, the Palestinian Exodus. In first phase of the Palestinian Exodus, 125,000 were evicted or fled from their homes, and were prevented from returning5. The second war that followed was the Arab-Israeli War of 1948. In this war, Israel was to face a grand Arab coalition which stigmatised its independence. A vital Israeli victory, and a disastrous Arab defeat increased the final design of the Palestinian hejira to a stagger ing 750 000 Palestinians.By the middle of the 20th century, State of Israel was firmly established upon the former Palestinian territories, and umpteen Palestinian settlements were either depopulated or destroyed. Hence, the Palestinian business was herein created an spot of Palestinians, their state, homeland, refugees, and withal Palestinian-Israeli co-existence in Palestine and the stance of Jerusalem, is all to exist until this really day.Yasser Arafat and the Creation of al-AsifaBorn on 24 August 1929, in Cairo, Egypt, Yasser Arafat was the son of Palestinian p bent6. During the Arab-Israeli conflict of 1948, he went to Palestine to join the fighting. His percentage in the Palestinian problem begins early on in his political life when in 1958, Arafat, with a number of his Palestinian colleagues in Kuwait, corroborated and formed the militant group Fatah. The group was dedicated to liberate Palestine by Palestinians with a convey of force. The idea was to eliminate Zionis t Israel re-establish Palestinian homeland and resolve the Palestinian problem. Until this very day, Fatahs princi comrade(prenominal) goal is, complete liberation of Palestine, and eradication of Zionist economic, political, military and cultural existence.7A mover of Force, to Settle to ProblemThe Rise of Fatah, the PLO and the 70sIn the Six Day War, Fatah did play a microscopical government agency in the fighting against the Israel. The humiliating Arab defeat further stone-broke Arab morale dismantleicularly that of the Palestinians who accordingly lost trust in the unify Arab resolution. moreover Fatah was to hurt its first main military encounter with Israel in the Battle of Karameh on March 21st 1968. With Fatah growing in stature, unionized raid were conducted against Israeli settlements. Israels retaliation was to raid the Jordanian city of Karameh, a modernisticly compel secureness for Fatah8. Though the battle was a military victory for Israel, it was seen as a or sowhat physiological victory for Fatah. Abdallah Frangi (a Palestinian loss attracter at the period) labelled it the political and military turning spirit level in the Palestinian resistance, especially for Fatah.9 Arab support was rallied behind the group, and Arafat was able to garner a number of Palestinian recruits for his group.Fatah was inducted into the PLO in 1967, and in 1969, Yasser Arafat became chairman of the PLO. Arafat transformed the cheek into becoming a strong independent organisation mean to make Palestinian appeals be heard by the world10. He therein became the ultimate leader of the Palestinian resurgence.By 1970, Yasser Arafat was deeply engaging in his arms resolution of the Palestinian problem. Raids into Israeli territories were organise on a regular basis and Fatah was became an increased threat to Israel. In Arafats and Fatahs prime old age of the 70s, some(prenominal) the PLO and Mossad (The Israeli tidings Agency) in use(p) in terro rist style warfare against each other. The Mossads kn stimulate for several key assassinations, much(prenominal) as that of Ghassan Kanafani 11, (writer and spokesman for the democratic Front of the Liberation of Palestine, considered the second largest group in the PLO after Fatah) and Dr Wadie Haddad12 (leader of the PFLP.) For the PLO, the Fatah group, minatory family were sensation of the key groups engaging in such activities13. One of the some famous works of Black family line was the abduction and assassination of 11 Israeli athletes in the 1972 Munich Olympic Games14. Though Arafat has never been proven to be part of the pom-poms, Israeli and American authorities often associate him to them.Analysis of Arafats Forceful ResolveA number of Hesperian sources agree that Yasser Arafat tried to resolve the Palestinian problem finished a pith of terrorism. Its declared that he motto in terrorism, not of the horrific murders, but quite an a means of gaining designation f or Palestine and Palestinian struggle. Barry and Judith Rubin, authors of Yasser Arafat A policy-making Biography state, He had seen how it terrorism mobilized Palestinian and Arab support for the PLO raised the Palestine issues international priority prevented other Arab states from negotiating peace with Israel, and make legion(predicate) western leaders hot to stay put him.15 Often using the Fatah subgroup, Black September, there are claims that Arafat often approved trading operations and cauline funds to them16. The tilt also states that Arafat consistently throughout his life would deny such acts, thereby having a remarkable ability to escape responsibility for the terrorism he committed.17 These views open airly classify Arafats gird set out in traffics with the Palestinian problem as acts of terrorism. They proclaim that Arafat, as a terrorist, utilise dismay antic to drive his goal of transaction with the Palestinian struggle.The alternative view, in that Ara fat was a independence supporter is believed by many other historians and writers. Its a stance expressed by one of the adpressed people to Arafat, Bassam Abu Sharif (Senior Advisor to Yasser Arafat.) In his book, Arafat and the Dream for Palestine, he states, In my opinion, people in the west saw Arafat through the negative propaganda which sooner painted Arafat as a terrorist, alternatively than a immunity fighter18. With the Palestinian problem ignored early on by many western countries19, it so was Arafat who sort of globalised the issue, made it a phenomenon everyone inevitable to solve. This is seen to make Arafats build up role in traffic with the Palestinian problem a gelid one. These arguments also highlight Arafat as being the sole power in the Palestinian revivification following(a) the Six Day War, It was in these disheartening circumstances that the Palestinian revival began. There was weeny interrogative that Arafats was the decisive voice20. Also, tho se which Arafat commanded are perceived as freedom fighters by some, Yasser Arafat, who had emerged as a meaningful envision in the Palestinian struggle for liberation, recruited young people to the resistance movement. In 1970, Palestinian freedom fighters took take for of the Gaza Strip Yasser Arafat hence provided Palestinian revitalisation in the Palestinian problem, hereby reservation his build up role an extremely important one. As quoted by Stephen Howe, Without the Arafat of the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, there might well not have been a Palestinian national movement at all.EvaluationSurely, Arafats build up solution is interpreted otherwise by different cultures and people. Arafats emergence was in bloody early days of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, a time when sym directiony of Palestinians and their struggle was widespread in the Muslim world whereas backing and support was provided to Israel by many western states. This makes the Palestinian debate a 2 sided debat e, and consequently, an evaluation of Arafat is often affected by sensation and submit by the opposing parties.Arafats build up resolution of the Palestinian problem isnt a clear pass over issue of neither terrorism nor political fanaticism. Two issues must be understood to drive this eyeshade firstly, Arafats activities as a militant rather than a terrorist. An analysis of Yasser Arafats activates prove that he rather was express and an spry member in raids and attacks against the Israeli army and troops and rather not in the alleged(a) terrorist attacks of the PLO. Also, since he never was proven to be a terrorist, it can never be claimed he was indeed a terrorist. Secondly, a distinction must be made between the activates of Arafat and those of his bodyguards and Fatah colleagues. Often, the actions of both are confused, and when an attack by Fatah insurgents is carried of, its often stated that Arafat himself was part of then. Its true that Yasser Arafats role as leader of Palestinian spurred some to extremism, but it must be understood, though his Fatah colleagues did engaged in terrorism, he didnt. Yasser Arafat build up role in traffic with the Palestine problem should not be seen as of radicalism or extremism in concept and intent.Arafats armed struggle, though did not solve the issue, did in fact bring some results. His armed struggle brought a resurgence of the people of Palestine. With the united Arab response being habitually null (by incessant Arab defeat and loss to Israel,) only a Palestinian response seemed to solution. This but rather needed the revival of the Palestinian hold, which was severely crushed by the mid 1960 (especially with the loss of Jerusalem.) Though ludicrous it may sound, Palestinian revitalisation would not have occurred through peaceful means. The reason for this was that Palestinians where irritated and demoralised by the everlasting disappointment in the outcomes of Arab negotiations concerning their strugg le. A symbol of an armed struggle would only then regenerate these foil Palestinians. With the creation of Fatah, (to liberate Palestine by Palestinians) Arafats armed struggle brought this Palestinian resurgence. Arafat also united the Palestinian people, under his armed struggle, a strong step in dealing with the Palestinian problem. In essence, hadnt this revitalisation occurred, the State of Palestine would not have been created, and future duologue of peace and co-existence would not have occurred. merely it should be clearly understood, that Arafat did not achieve his intended aim in his armed approach.A imperturbable Resolve for the Palestinian ProblemA Change in Contention, Olso and summer camp DavidIn 1974, the PLO executive citizens committee including Arafat drew up The Ten Point Program21. By many, is considered as the first peaceful go-ahead interpreted by Arafat to resolve the Palestinian Problem. It was a decree calling for Israel to return back liberated22 Pa lestinian lands. The declaration wasnt one of change in direction, though was unique in that it did show Arafat to have a demeanor of dealing with the problem through negotiations. The Ten Point Program was to be followed by much years of violence.After years of unrest with the rise of the terrorist group Hamas and notably the coming into being of prime(prenominal) intifadah (which Arafat associated himself to) on the 13th and 14th of December 1988, Arafat announces a change of thought. He formally recognised the State of Israel, renounced terrorism, and revealed intentions of seeking peaceful negotiations in managing the Palestinian problem23. A month earlier, the Palestinian internal Council (led by Arafat) announces and proclaims The Palestinian Declaration of Independence24. It was a new direction for Arafat in settling the Palestinian problem.In 1993 tag a historical event in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, as the first direct dialogue between Israeli and Palestinian le aders took place in capital of Norway, Norway. The talks were very secretive, with Yasser Arafat and Yitzhak Rabik with their top ministers negotiating in terms to co-exist peacefully. Issues such as the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Palestinian territories, Palestinian elections, economic cooperation and regional development were all discussed. both parties agreed on the status of each, the rights of each other, and their intentions to co-exist. With the help of the Clinton government, on 13th of September 1993, the capital of Norway fit in was signed. It was thought to be the basis of all future talks between both.In 2000, proceed talks took place between Israel and Palestine at Camp David, in order to finalise the embodiments of the capital of Norway understanding25. The talks were to therein define the boundaries of Israel and Palestine. The status of Jerusalem (a key aspect of the Palestinian problem) was the hindrance point in the talks. In regards to the possession of Jerusalem, both parties were unable to agree on a compromise, hence qualification the Camp David talks a failure.Analysis of Arafats Peaceful ResolveArafats change in approach in dealing with the Palestinian approach (i.e. seeking peaceful mea trues) has often incurred various interpretations. One particular arguement is that Arafat changed his strategy of armed approach to a peaceful one in order to fool others and drive his own agenda of securing Palestinian homeland. It was a typical Arafat style solution. By being so ambiguous slightly his methods and goals, Arafat could hope to convince the west that he was ready for peace and convince his own colleagues that he was persistent to watch the struggle26. These views hereby make Arafats change in approach a somewhat deceitful parody that rather had true initiative.A different viewpoint states that Arafat was rather pressured by Israeli and American officials to denounce an armed approach and terrorism27. Throughout the Oslo Accords, its stated that Arafat was the weaker party, and that he was rather accepted terms and condition which Israel modelled28. This argument thereby makes Arafats peaceful resolution of the Palestinian problem not an intuitive of his, but rather a pressure he had to comply with.In regards to the Camp David Summit, a many historians believed it was doomed to fail. Kamrava argues that both parties thought they were giving up more to the other, while the other wasnt being reasonable29 in their compromise30.Hence, in dealing with the most controversial issue of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the issue of Jerusalem, there was never to be an agreement. Hence, Arafats peaceful resolve of the Palestinian problem was always doomed to fail.Nevertheless, there are others, such as Bassim Abu Sherif, who says that the new peace path was rather genuine and promising. He claims though the US authorities did put down demands for Yasser Arafat, Arafat rather cherished his resolution to firs t be supported by for the PLO and Palestinians, then flexible to US demands, It was clear that Arafat valued to be flexible enough to meet American demands, but he also wanted to make sure that he had the approval of the majority of the PLO executive committee to preserve the democracy of the decision making do work of the PLO.31 It was clear that Arafat was aware that by this time, both he and Palestinians were exhausted from fighting. Hence, this different approach in dealing with the Palestinian struggle might be interpreted as a new path, thereby creating new opportunities in dealing with the Palestinian problem.EvaluationArafats change in means resolve the Palestinian problem is also an issue of debate. The question of why change in direction and whether it was genuine is real the discussion. But a deduction of Arafats activities brings an understanding of genuinity. Hence, his role in trying to resolve the Palestinian problem is herein magnified by his actions of this new resolve.Its evident that with years of unrest and the lack of advancement in resolving the Palestinian problem, Arafat needed to find a new resolve. He needed to settle the Palestinian crisis that at one time nearly turned into internal feuding. So, by understanding this dire need of change, it must be clear that he, Arafat, chose to change the idea of an armed struggle. It seems that he neither needed the pressure of Israel or the U.S. but rather chose to do it because of situation of the Palestinian people. Hence, it makes the resolution a genuine on Arafats part. Therefore, we see in Arafats change in thought his striving quest of solving the Palestinian problem.Arafats role in dealing with the Palestinian problem could further be evaluated by his actions at Oslo and Camp David. First of all, he dealt with the issue of Palestinian homeland in Palestine with the Oslo Accord. In this regard, Arafat failed to clearly resolve the issue, due(p) to the vagueness of the takings he ag reed on. This leads to the next issue of Jerusalem. Arafats Oslo agreements failure is exacerbated by the fact that the lengthening of Oslo, (Camp David) broke down with the issue of Jerusalem. This issue of Israeli-Palestinian co-existence was spoken of the most in both talks, but without resolutely dealing with this tension point issues, Arafat was doomed to fail. Hence, though Arafat tried to drive and resolve the Palestinian problem peacefully, he achieve no more than his armed resolution.BibliographyBooksLukacs, Yehuda, 1992, The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict a documentary record 1967-1990, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.Barry Rubin Judith Colp Rubin, 2003, Arafat A Political Biography, Oxford University Press, Inc, New York.Bassam Abu Sharif, 2009, Arafat and the Dream for Palestine, Palgrave Macmillan, New York.T.G. Fraser, 2008, The Arab-Israeli conflict, 3rd ed., Palgrave Macmillan, New York.Brown, Nathan. J, 2003, Palestinian Politics after the Oslo Accord Arab P alestine, University of atomic number 20n Press, London, England.Dan Cohn-Sherbok Dawoud El-Alami (eds), 2008, The Palestine-Israeli Conflict, Oneworld Publication, Oxford, England.Mehran Kamrava, 2005, The Modern Middle East, University of California Press, Ltd, London England.Mark Tesseler, 1994, A History Of The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, inch University Press, Bloomington, USA,JournalsSimha Flapan, 1987, The Palestinian Exodus of 1948, Vol. 16, No. 4 (Summer, 1987),University of California Press.WebsitesUN Partition Plan, 2001, Retrieved twenty-fifth January, 2010, http//news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/middle_east/israel_and_the_palestinians/key_documents/1681322.stmYasser Arafat, Retrieved twenty-fifth January, 2010, http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yasser_Arafat/Timeline Yasser Arafat, 2004, Retrieved 25th January, 2010, http//news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/4004859.stmPolitical Program choose at the 12th Session of the Palestine National Council Cairo, 8 June 1974, Retrieved twenty-sixth January, 2010, http//www.un.int/palestine/PLO/docone.htmlMuin Rabbani, 2000, Encyclopedia Of The Palestinians Biography of Gassan Kanafani, Retrieved 26th January, 2010, http//www.palestineremembered.com/Acre/Acre/Story168.htmlPoisoned Mossad umber killed PFLP leader in 1977, says book, 2006, Retrieved 26th January, 2010, http//web.archive.org/web/20060517211510/http//metimes.com/articles/normal.php?StoryID=20060505-102327-8910rTerrorist Organisation Profile Black September,2007, University of Maryland, Retrieved 26th January, 2010, http//www.start.umd.edu/start/data/exceed/terrorist_organization_profile.asp?id=153Arafat at the UN oecumenic Assembly, 2009, Retrieved 27th January, 2010, http//www.al-bab.com/arab/docs/pal/pal5.htmProf. Francis A. Boyle, 2006 Palestine Independence Day, Retrieved 27th January, 2010, http//www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=vaaid=3864Why did the PLO absolutely decide, in 1988, that Israel had a right to exist?, Retrieved 27th January, 2010, http/ /www.palestinefacts.org/pf_1967to1991_plo_israel_exist_1988.phpThe Balfour Declaration, Retrieved 20th February, 2010, http//www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Peace+ surgical procedure/Guide+to+the+Peace+Process/The+Balfour+Declaration.htmThe tribe of Palestine Prior to 1948, Retrieved 20th February, 2010, http//www.mideastweb.org/palpop.htmFateh Constitution, Retrieved 20th February, 2010, http//www.alzaytouna.net/arabic/?c=1598a=97061The Israeli Camp David II end for Final Settlement, Retrieved 20th February, 2010, http//www.mideastweb.org/campdavid2.htmThe Balfour Decleration, http//www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Peace+Process/Guide+to+the+Peace+Process/The+Balfour+Declaration.htmThe Third Aliyah, http//www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/ immigration/Third_Aliyah.htmlThe race of Palestine Prior to 1948, http//www.mideastweb.org/palpop.htmUN Partition Plan, 2001, http//news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/middle_east/israel_and_the_palestinians/key_documents/1681322.stmSimha Flapan, 1987, The Palestinian Exodu s of 1948, Vol. 16, No. 4 (Summer, 1987), pp. 3-26,University of California Press.Yasser Arafat, http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yasser_Arafat/Fateh Constitution, http//www.alzaytouna.net/arabic/?c=1598a=97061Mark Tesseler, A History Of The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, Indiana University Press, Bloomington, USA, 1994, pg. 425Ibid, pg.426Yasser Arafat, http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yasser_Arafat/Muin Rabbani, 2000, Encyclopedia Of The Palestinians Biography of Gassan Kanafani, http//www.palestineremembered.com/Acre/Acre/Story168.htmlPoisoned Mossad chocolate killed PFLP leader in 1977, says book, 2006, http//web.archive.org/web/20060517211510/http//metimes.com/articles/normal.php?StoryID=20060505-102327-8910r.Terrorist Organisation Profile Black September, 2007, University of Maryland http//www.start.umd.edu/start/data/tops/terrorist_organization_profile.asp?id=153ibidBarry Rubin, Judith Colp Rubin, Arafat A Political Biography, Oxford University Press, Inc, New York, 2003, pg.61Ibid, pg. 61Ibid, pg.63Bassam Abu Sharif, Arafat and the Dream for Palestine, Palgrave Macmillan, New York, 2009, pg.T.G. Fraser, The Arab-Israeli conflict, 3rd ed., Palgrave Macmillan, New York, 2008, pg.57Ibid, pg.88Political Program Adopted at the 12th Session of the Palestine National Council Cairo, 8 June 1974, http//www.un.int/palestine/PLO/docone.htmlibidArafat at the UN general Assembly, 2009, http//www.al-bab.com/arab/docs/pal/pal5.htmProf. Francis A. Boyle, 2006 Palestine Independence Day, http//www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=vaaid=3864The Israeli Camp David II Proposal for Final Settlement, http//www.mideastweb.org/campdavid2.htmRubin, op.cit., pg.113Why did the PLO suddenly decide, in 1988, that Israel had a right to exist?, http//www.palestinefacts.org/pf_1967to1991_plo_israel_exist_1988.phpMehran Kamrava, The Modern Middle East, University of California Press, Ltd, London England, 2005, pg. 243-244Ibid, pg.248ibidAbu Sharif, op.cit., pg.183History of the Palestinian Con flictHistory of the Palestinian ConflictIn order to have a thorough understanding of the Palestinian problem, events in the early 20th century, prior to 1948 (Israeli independence) should be closely examined and understood. Many historians mark the first act which led to the Palestinian problem as the Balfour Declaration in 1917. There, it was announced that Britain shall support in the goals of Zionists, and therein strive to create a Jewish homeland in Palestine, His Majestys Government view with favour the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people1. With Jewish spirits high all over the Jewish Diaspora, the third Aliyah (influx of Jews to Palestine) took place in 19192. The number of Jews gradually increased in Palestine, and by 1947, the 11% population of Jews increased to a healthy 33%3.The immediate cause of the Palestinian problem is often dated to November 29th 1947, on which the UN announced that the British Mandate of Palestine would be divided in to separate Arab and Jewish states4. The decree sparked great outrage from Arab nations, but was a warmly welcomed decision from the Jews and other European and North American States. Two pinnacle wars then followed which would directly influence into the Palestinian problem. The Civil War first took place as an immediate reaction eleven days after the UNs declaration. Jewish victory then led war lead to two events the Israeli Declaration of Independence on May the 14th 1948 and the beginning of An-Nakabah, the Palestinian Exodus. In first phase of the Palestinian Exodus, 125,000 were evicted or fled from their homes, and were prevented from returning5. The second war that followed was the Arab-Israeli War of 1948. In this war, Israel was to face a grand Arab coalition which denounced its independence. A decisive Israeli victory, and a disastrous Arab defeat increased the final number of the Palestinian exodus to a staggering 750 000 Palestinians.By the middle of the 20th century, S tate of Israel was firmly established upon the former Palestinian territories, and many Palestinian settlements were either depopulated or destroyed. Hence, the Palestinian problem was herein created an issue of Palestinians, their state, homeland, refugees, and also Palestinian-Israeli co-existence in Palestine and the stance of Jerusalem, is all to exist until this very day.Yasser Arafat and the Creation of FatahBorn on 24 August 1929, in Cairo, Egypt, Yasser Arafat was the son of Palestinian parent6. During the Arab-Israeli conflict of 1948, he went to Palestine to join the fighting. His role in the Palestinian problem begins early on in his political life when in 1958, Arafat, with a number of his Palestinian colleagues in Kuwait, corroborated and formed the militant group Fatah. The group was dedicated to liberate Palestine by Palestinians with a means of force. The idea was to eliminate Zionist Israel re-establish Palestinian homeland and resolve the Palestinian problem. Until this very day, Fatahs main goal is, complete liberation of Palestine, and eradication of Zionist economic, political, military and cultural existence.7A Means of Force, to Settle to ProblemThe Rise of Fatah, the PLO and the 70sIn the Six Day War, Fatah did play a small role in the fighting against the Israel. The humiliating Arab defeat further broke Arab morale especially that of the Palestinians who consequently lost trust in the united Arab resolution. But Fatah was to have its first main military encounter with Israel in the Battle of Karameh on March 21st 1968. With Fatah growing in stature, organised raid were conducted against Israeli settlements. Israels retaliation was to raid the Jordanian city of Karameh, a newly made stronghold for Fatah8. Though the battle was a military victory for Israel, it was seen as a somewhat physiological victory for Fatah. Abdallah Frangi (a Palestinian leader at the time) labelled it the political and military turning point in the Palestinian resistance, especially for Fatah.9 Arab support was rallied behind the group, and Arafat was able to garner a number of Palestinian recruits for his group.Fatah was inducted into the PLO in 1967, and in 1969, Yasser Arafat became chairman of the PLO. Arafat transformed the organisation into becoming a strong independent organisation intended to make Palestinian appeals be heard by the world10. He therein became the ultimate leader of the Palestinian resurgence.By 1970, Yasser Arafat was deeply engaging in his arms resolution of the Palestinian problem. Raids into Israeli territories were organised regularly and Fatah was became an increased threat to Israel. In Arafats and Fatahs prime years of the 70s, both the PLO and Mossad (The Israeli Intelligence Agency) engaged in terrorist style warfare against each other. The Mossads known for several key assassinations, such as that of Ghassan Kanafani 11, (writer and spokesman for the Popular Front of the Liberation of Palestine, conside red the second largest group in the PLO after Fatah) and Dr Wadie Haddad12 (leader of the PFLP.) For the PLO, the Fatah group, Black September were one of the key groups engaging in such activities13. One of the most famous works of Black September was the abduction and assassination of 11 Israeli athletes in the 1972 Munich Olympic Games14. Though Arafat has never been proven to be part of the attacks, Israeli and American authorities often associate him to them.Analysis of Arafats Forceful ResolveA number of western sources agree that Yasser Arafat tried to resolve the Palestinian problem through a means of terrorism. Its stated that he saw in terrorism, not of the horrific murders, but rather a means of gaining recognition for Palestine and Palestinian struggle. Barry and Judith Rubin, authors of Yasser Arafat A Political Biography state, He had seen how it terrorism mobilized Palestinian and Arab support for the PLO raised the Palestine issues international priority prevented o ther Arab states from negotiating peace with Israel, and made many western leaders eager to appease him.15 Often using the Fatah subgroup, Black September, there are claims that Arafat often approved operations and stemmed funds to them16. The argument also states that Arafat consistently throughout his life would deny such acts, thereby having a remarkable ability to escape responsibility for the terrorism he committed.17 These views clearly classify Arafats armed approach in dealing with the Palestinian problem as acts of terrorism. They proclaim that Arafat, as a terrorist, used fear antic to drive his goal of dealing with the Palestinian struggle.The alternative view, in that Arafat was a freedom fighter is believed by many other historians and writers. Its a stance expressed by one of the closest people to Arafat, Bassam Abu Sharif (Senior Advisor to Yasser Arafat.) In his book, Arafat and the Dream for Palestine, he states, In my opinion, people in the west saw Arafat through the negative propaganda which rather painted Arafat as a terrorist, rather than a freedom fighter18. With the Palestinian problem ignored early on by many western countries19, it indeed was Arafat who rather globalised the issue, made it a phenomenon everyone needed to solve. This is seen to make Arafats armed role in dealing with the Palestinian problem a pivotal one. These arguments also highlight Arafat as being the sole power in the Palestinian revival following the Six Day War, It was in these disheartening circumstances that the Palestinian revival began. There was little doubt that Arafats was the decisive voice20. Also, those which Arafat commanded are perceived as freedom fighters by some, Yasser Arafat, who had emerged as a significant figure in the Palestinian struggle for liberation, recruited young people to the resistance movement. In 1970, Palestinian freedom fighters took control of the Gaza Strip Yasser Arafat hence provided Palestinian revitalisation in the Palesti nian problem, hereby making his armed role an extremely important one. As quoted by Stephen Howe, Without the Arafat of the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, there might well not have been a Palestinian national movement at all.EvaluationSurely, Arafats armed solution is interpreted differently by different cultures and people. Arafats emergence was in bloody early days of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, a time when discernment of Palestinians and their struggle was widespread in the Muslim world whereas backing and support was provided to Israel by many western states. This makes the Palestinian debate a 2 sided debate, and consequently, an evaluation of Arafat is often affected by emotion and bias by the opposing parties.Arafats armed resolution of the Palestinian problem isnt a clear cut issue of neither terrorism nor political fanaticism. Two issues must be understood to drive this point firstly, Arafats activities as a militant rather than a terrorist. An analysis of Yasser Arafats ac tivates prove that he rather was present and an active member in raids and attacks against the Israeli army and troops and rather not in the alleged terrorist attacks of the PLO. Also, since he never was proven to be a terrorist, it can never be claimed he was indeed a terrorist. Secondly, a distinction must be made between the activates of Arafat and those of his bodyguards and Fatah colleagues. Often, the actions of both are confused, and when an attack by Fatah insurgents is carried of, its often stated that Arafat himself was part of then. Its true that Yasser Arafats role as leader of Palestinian spurred some to extremism, but it must be understood, though his Fatah colleagues did engaged in terrorism, he didnt. Yasser Arafat armed role in dealing with the Palestine problem should not be seen as of radicalism or extremism in thought and intent.Arafats armed struggle, though did not solve the issue, did in fact bring some results. His armed struggle brought a resurgence of the p eople of Palestine. With the united Arab response being habitually useless (by constant Arab defeat and loss to Israel,) only a Palestinian response seemed to solution. This but rather needed the revival of the Palestinian hope, which was severely crushed by the mid 1960 (especially with the loss of Jerusalem.) Though ludicrous it may sound, Palestinian revitalisation would not have occurred through peaceful means. The reason for this was that Palestinians where irritated and demoralised by the constant disappointment in the outcomes of Arab negotiations concerning their struggle. A symbol of an armed struggle would only then revitalise these frustrated Palestinians. With the creation of Fatah, (to liberate Palestine by Palestinians) Arafats armed struggle brought this Palestinian resurgence. Arafat also united the Palestinian people, under his armed struggle, a strong step in dealing with the Palestinian problem. In essence, hadnt this revitalisation occurred, the State of Palestin e would not have been created, and future talks of peace and co-existence would not have occurred. But it should be clearly understood, that Arafat did not achieve his intended aim in his armed approach.A Peaceful Resolve for the Palestinian ProblemA Change in Contention, Olso and Camp DavidIn 1974, the PLO executive committee including Arafat drew up The Ten Point Program21. By many, is considered as the first peaceful initiative taken by Arafat to resolve the Palestinian Problem. It was a decree calling for Israel to return back liberated22 Palestinian lands. The declaration wasnt one of change in direction, though was unique in that it did show Arafat to have a way of dealing with the problem through negotiations. The Ten Point Program was to be followed by more years of violence.After years of unrest with the rise of the terrorist group Hamas and notably the coming into being of First Intifada (which Arafat associated himself to) on the 13th and 14th of December 1988, Arafat ann ounces a change of thought. He formally recognised the State of Israel, renounced terrorism, and revealed intentions of seeking peaceful negotiations in managing the Palestinian problem23. A month earlier, the Palestinian National Council (led by Arafat) announces and proclaims The Palestinian Declaration of Independence24. It was a new direction for Arafat in settling the Palestinian problem.In 1993 marks a historical event in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, as the first direct talks between Israeli and Palestinian leaders took place in Oslo, Norway. The talks were very secretive, with Yasser Arafat and Yitzhak Rabik with their top ministers negotiating in terms to co-exist peacefully. Issues such as the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Palestinian territories, Palestinian elections, economic cooperation and regional development were all discussed. Both parties agreed on the status of each, the rights of each other, and their intentions to co-exist. With the help of the Clinton government, on 13th of September 1993, the Oslo Accord was signed. It was thought to be the basis of all future talks between both.In 2000, continuing talks took place between Israel and Palestine at Camp David, in order to finalise the conditions of the Oslo Accord25. The talks were to therein define the boundaries of Israel and Palestine. The status of Jerusalem (a key aspect of the Palestinian problem) was the hindrance point in the talks. In regards to the possession of Jerusalem, both parties were unable to agree on a compromise, hence making the Camp David talks a failure.Analysis of Arafats Peaceful ResolveArafats change in approach in dealing with the Palestinian approach (i.e. seeking peaceful measures) has often incurred various interpretations. One particular arguement is that Arafat changed his strategy of armed approach to a peaceful one in order to fool others and drive his own agenda of securing Palestinian homeland. It was a typical Arafat style solution. By being so ambiguous about his methods and goals, Arafat could hope to convince the west that he was ready for peace and convince his own colleagues that he was determined to continue the struggle26. These views hereby make Arafats change in approach a somewhat deceitful trick that rather had true initiative.A different viewpoint states that Arafat was rather pressured by Israeli and American officials to denounce an armed approach and terrorism27. Throughout the Oslo Accords, its stated that Arafat was the weaker party, and that he was rather accepted terms and condition which Israel modelled28. This argument thereby makes Arafats peaceful resolution of the Palestinian problem not an intuitive of his, but rather a pressure he had to comply with.In regards to the Camp David Summit, a many historians believed it was doomed to fail. Kamrava argues that both parties thought they were giving up more to the other, while the other wasnt being reasonable29 in their compromise30.Hence, in dealing wit h the most controversial issue of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the issue of Jerusalem, there was never to be an agreement. Hence, Arafats peaceful resolve of the Palestinian problem was always doomed to fail.Nevertheless, there are others, such as Bassim Abu Sherif, who says that the new peace path was rather genuine and promising. He claims though the US authorities did put down demands for Yasser Arafat, Arafat rather wanted his announcement to first be supported by for the PLO and Palestinians, then flexible to US demands, It was clear that Arafat wanted to be flexible enough to meet American demands, but he also wanted to make sure that he had the approval of the majority of the PLO executive committee to preserve the democracy of the decision making process of the PLO.31 It was clear that Arafat was aware that by this time, both he and Palestinians were exhausted from fighting. Hence, this different approach in dealing with the Palestinian struggle might be interpreted as a new path, thereby creating new opportunities in dealing with the Palestinian problem.EvaluationArafats change in means resolving the Palestinian problem is also an issue of debate. The question of why change in direction and whether it was genuine is truly the discussion. But a deduction of Arafats activities brings an understanding of genuinity. Hence, his role in trying to resolve the Palestinian problem is herein magnified by his actions of this new resolve.Its evident that with years of unrest and the lack of advancement in resolving the Palestinian problem, Arafat needed to find a new resolve. He needed to settle the Palestinian crisis that now nearly turned into internal feuding. So, by understanding this dire need of change, it must be clear that he, Arafat, chose to change the idea of an armed struggle. It seems that he neither needed the pressure of Israel or the U.S. but rather chose to do it because of situation of the Palestinian people. Hence, it makes the resolution a genuine on Arafats part. Therefore, we see in Arafats change in thought his striving quest of solving the Palestinian problem.Arafats role in dealing with the Palestinian problem could further be evaluated by his actions at Oslo and Camp David. First of all, he dealt with the issue of Palestinian homeland in Palestine with the Oslo Accord. In this regard, Arafat failed to clearly resolve the issue, due to the vagueness of the matter he agreed on. This leads to the next issue of Jerusalem. Arafats Oslo agreements failure is exacerbated by the fact that the continuation of Oslo, (Camp David) broke down with the issue of Jerusalem. This issue of Israeli-Palestinian co-existence was spoken of the most in both talks, but without decisively dealing with this tension point issues, Arafat was doomed to fail. Hence, though Arafat tried to drive and resolve the Palestinian problem peacefully, he achieve no more than his armed resolution.BibliographyBooksLukacs, Yehuda, 1992, The Israeli-Pal estinian Conflict a documentary record 1967-1990, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.Barry Rubin Judith Colp Rubin, 2003, Arafat A Political Biography, Oxford University Press, Inc, New York.Bassam Abu Sharif, 2009, Arafat and the Dream for Palestine, Palgrave Macmillan, New York.T.G. Fraser, 2008, The Arab-Israeli conflict, 3rd ed., Palgrave Macmillan, New York.Brown, Nathan. 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