Poor leadership cited in Fatah's failure

[Scurrilous]

Fighters were outgunned by smaller Hamas

<snip>

"Fatah's old demons -- lack of leadership, petty quarreling, corruption -- are being blamed for its dismal showing in the fight against Hamas in Gaza.

While the disciplined Hamas systematically built and hoarded weapons, Palestinian observers pointed out, Fatah failed to prepare in time for the inevitable showdown with the Islamic militants. In this week's fighting, disorganized Fatah fighters were outgunned and overrun by the smaller Hamas.

Many angry West Bankers, watching the fall of Gaza on their TV screens, pinned the blame on Fatah's leader, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, seen as far too indecisive and detached to lead a countercharge against Hamas.

On Wednesday, even as Hamas besieged his forces in Gaza, Abbas still tried to strike a neutral presidential pose, blaming both sides for the violence. A day later, as the Preventive Security headquarters in Gaza City came under heavy fire, he hesitated before sending his Presidential Guard as a backup; an hour later, Hamas captured the strategic compound.

"This wouldn't have happened under Abu Ammar," was a common living room lament yesterday -- a reference to Yasser Arafat, Fatah's legendary founder and Abbas's predecessor."

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[wake.up.america]

1. Israel and the United States have turned many to Hamas....

Washington should have directed Israel to reach an accord with Fatah many years ago.