Fear rules as authority faces collapse

[Violet_Crumble]

The Palestinians have lost control of their urban ghettos to violent gangs, writes Ed O'Loughlin in Nablus.


Colonel Rabih Khundaji's 1000 policemen are nominally in charge of the Palestinian city of Nablus, but their powers are subject to frequent and abrupt suspension.

"The Israelis have said they will shoot on sight any Palestinian security man who is carrying a weapon," the colonel says. "They have to run away whenever the Israeli forces invade the town."

On Thursday last week, the Israeli army raided the colonel's headquarters at dawn, looking for a Palestinian policeman suspected of involvement in militant attacks. During the raid the Israelis forced the police to hold their hands above their heads and parade with their own criminal prisoners.

"This coincided with the dawn call to prayer, and people were going to the mosque and seeing the police humiliated," Colonel Khundaji recalled bitterly. "They see that the police who are supposed to protect them can't even protect themselves."

http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/03/07/1078594235085.html

[bemildred]

1. Well if they'd just dismantle the terrorist networks,

then if would be OK, the IDF would let them have guns and
stop invading. See?

[Jim Sagle]

2. I suspect sarcasm here, but I truly believe that's what would happen.

[bemildred]

4. I know you do.

I find it illogical.
But there is no need to argue.
(PS: you are right about the sarcasm.)

[Herschel]

3. Well done

Palestinian security must stand down during Israeli operations for their own protection. Further, they must cooperate when militants are being sought. I suspect they will recover from the torture of holding their hands above their heads.

Quite unfortunate what the Palestinians have brought on themselves.

[ex_jew]

5. Iraq, Afghanistan, Palestine and now Haiti

everywhere it's the same story - violence and anarchy. The almighty West seems always to destroy all forms of social organization in pursuit of its own interests. And you call this "well done" - what would you see as a "bad" outcome ? Does it bother you at all to see our fellow human beings suffer for the sake of YOUR security ?

[Herschel]

6. Indeed

I do not support IDF activity for the collateral damage it brings. It's mission is the security of Israel against terror. I will leave it at that.