Egypt, Jordan Fear Deterioration of P.A.

[GabysPoppy]

Moderate Arab countries are growing increasingly concerned that the Palestinian Authority may collapse, according to diplomats and observers. Countries such as Egypt and Jordan openly worry that the demise of the P.A., coupled with the perceived American disengagement in an election year and the Israeli government preparing to take unilateral steps in the territories, could pave the way for a Hamas power grab.

"I never saw the P.A. in such disarray," said Edward Abbington, a lobbyist for the P.A. in Washington. "They are close to collapsing and the Arab states like Egypt and Jordan are very concerned about the long-term implications and especially the rise of Hamas... They are frustrated that the P.A. does not do more."

snip

Jordan is especially worried that a P.A. collapse and the construction of the security fence could cause a major exodus of Palestinians to the Hashemite kingdom. Such concerns help explain why Amman has been at the forefront of the legal battle to bring the fence issue to the International Court of Justice in the Hague, incurring the wrath of Ariel Sharon.

snip

"There is a perception of an absence of authority," said a United Nations official. "International funding of the P.A. is stretched thin and this could mean the end of the P.A."

For example, Arab states have been more and more reluctant to respond to emergency appeals for funds from the U.N. agency dealing with Palestinian refugees.

http://www.forward.com/issues/2004/04.02.06/news3.html

[Jim Sagle]

1. Translation: The PA ain't nuthin' but shit.

[tinnypriv]

2. "perceived"

Good to see Forward supressing facts they are surely aware of.