One suggestion I'd make is to retrain and equip the remaining Fatah forces real fast before Hamas ends up taking control of the rest of the Palestinian territories. It's better to spend some money now than to start daydreaming about UN interventions as some politicians are doing...
In terms of International Forces (IF), I thik you're very right it that no matter who talks about that being a solton, no matter "who's talking about it," is doing much more than "daydreaming.
One problem we had is that my CIA was all too eager to supply and train the "Police Forces" in Gaza and the West Bank. Traing was done for those in the West Bank, in Jordan, and those in Gaza in Egypt. We had no idea who we were supplying and training as the mission has not been to understand the ME, it's been to just, somehow, "bring about Peace." Like Iraq.
Dr. Rice was going to come to the region and give a big speech on her two State solution as fighting was getting worse in Gaza. Olmert is going to meet Bush soon, and Bush, after meeting with both Abbas and Olmert was (maybe still is ) going to make a major new Peace Process Speech. This was on the calander before Gaza (fightin). I'm just sorry to say that almost our entire Gov't doesn't have a clue when it comes to the ME. The same goes for the EU. There is a cynacle view too (I won't touch it).
Mohammed Dahalyn, who "is/was" the head of the PA/Fatah Security Services, and resided in Gaza, has been MIA for 2 months (During the fighting). He's probably in Egpyt. But he's been "seen" like Elvis in places all over, having an operation on (name a part of the Body). He has been the CIA's point man with the Palestinians in terms of foreign military spplies, training men, and so on... While he had almost absolute authority, especially in Gaza, the weapons smuggling coming through the Philidelphia Coridor "Rafah Crossing," which was finally agreed upon that the Egyptians would send their "Special Forces, etc" to monitor and prevent, became an open joke. People warned that Gaza was becoming a time bomb that has the similar weapons as Hizbollah did last yerar.
At the same time as the CIA has been training "Palestinians," Iran broke down the "Palestinians" into Fatah and Hamas. Iran took Hamas, on for further training both in Lebanon and Iran. They were taught how to take and gve orders to just Hamas affiliates. How to convince those neighbors who'd Palestinians had lived next to for years (in Gaza; one family being associated with Hamas and the other with Fatah), that "The PA was useless and a pawn of America, Israel, and the EU. Nothing would ever change until 'the corrupt PA' was overthrown and Pure Islam, represented by Hamas (and the Divine, who wins in the end) eliminates Fatah." They were given the same cources on "fighting" as Hizbollah has recieved, just to use right now against fellow Palestinians. They were also getting all the funding in the world and weapons through smuggling.
My problem is that the we turned our heads knowing all tis was going on (America, State Dept, CIA, EU, UN, Israel, Egypt), "Fightinig for Peace," "Establishing a "True and lating Peace," the "need for a two state solution" no matter the circumstances on the ground. IMO, each slogan is/was qute, but was not based in reality (whether we undestoodreality in the ME or not).
Despite what is reported, the PLO/PA/Fatah/etc... have all been receiving large funds for more than a decade, and weapons up until Fatah fell in Gaza. All of that is now in Hamas' Hands. Not as thoughthey nedded it as funds/weapons were coming in anyway. Many say "we" should have given more to Fatah in Gaza... Well, all that's been given is in Hamas' hands. Some say we should have funded Hamas, after the election (despite diplomatic rhetoric, "we did," hoping to reform them, and giving weapons for their security as "the only way they could 'reform' is if they could show absolute authority to change the "extemeists." On the other hand Hamas used the "democratic card" that they won the democratic election, and weren't receiving international support (which they were; money and weapons... just quietly by the west and Iran).
Morale is key and the Fatah troops are at lowest ever on that item... Seeing they are supported and equipped could help them recover the morale to fight back.
cheers
Also very true. One of the options that had been suggested was to have Jordainian troops "take control" of security until Fatah can handle it on their own. Jordan, originally rejected it as PLO/PA/Fatah hasn't had the best relationship back to the Arafat days (Arafat went for the coup against King Hussein). Arafat and Palestinians supported King Husseins overthrow when Syria strted moving into Jordan. It was Israel who continuealy buzzed Haffez al-Assad's House, which changed his mind... Many say this helped lead to the "best peace" in the ME.
But, Jordan is talking about it now, which means that first, Hamas in the West Bank has to be weeded out (hopefully not the way it was done to Fatah in Gaza).
Also, the CIA and Israel will be taining their forces too. But it begs the question, if Jordan, and Israel will watch over things in the West Bank, is it a great idea to train and arm them like crazy (again)? :unknown
I agree, that Morale is extremely important, but they have enough weapons in the WB to do what ever they need. When somethig is not done, it's not becase they don't have a tank, it's because they don't want to (Hence, Israel having to go in and make arrests).
They have to start vetting the "Police Forces," and make the decision if they want to be a State, or a "Resistance" movement. Without this, any weapons will end up being turned against them just as in Gaza. Also, corruption needs to be ended right away. A step that was made by the appointing of the new Palestinian PM (Abbas becoming President). The Palestinian peope won't prosper as long as the money is held among a few. But there's no doubt that the US, Israel, EU, etc... will support Abbas to build him up. "A Palestinaian Leader vs. Maked Men in Gaza lead by Iran."
Gaza is/was competely Palestinian (no Israelis, check points and all the rest) and a test, if there are really Palestinians who want a two state solution or what Hamas wants, the destruction of Israel (innitially). Hamas made there statements and ended up by showing "their" colors. The West Bank will be the last test, and its Gov't will be supported by all "improtant western" sides. If the Palestinian people decide, "The Hamas' option is the best for them," I'm afraid (I know) we won't see a "Two State Solution."
I hope thw Palestinians in the West Bank, make the best decision for themselves.
As for Gaza, money will get in. If Rockets are launched into Israel, huge problems will be created. Instead of making the first option a total invasion, I'd spport truning off elcetricity and water, as well as targeting the leaders of Hamas.
I suggested this a long time ago (learning from Israel's "Targeted Assasinations"), that to fight the "insurgeny in Iraq" using constant pressure is the only way to fight it. Playing defense and then chasing the threat and going back to defense, does nothing. We must play constant offense in Iraq, day and night. Insurgents intent on hiding, cannot spend time planning. I was happy to hear a US general say this very thing a couple days ago--and it as been the most succssful tactic we're now using.
JMO
Peace
They just took over Gaza, now Hamas is negotiating with a family? More like Iran will decide and most likely want some quid-pro-quo.