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Future of Palestinian Terrorism

NCJ Number
118856
Journal
Terrorism, Violence, Insurgency Journal Volume: 5 Issue: 3 Dated: (Winter 1985) Pages: 11-14
Author(s)
A Merari
Date Published
1985
Length
4 pages
Annotation
There are three main factors that influence present and future Palestinian terrorism: the geographic dispersal of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) forces, the internal struggle of the PLO, and the likelihood of political achievements.
Abstract
The dispersal of the PLO has weakened the internal control and created a situation where young men have to be constantly reminded of their purpose. The internal struggle is between two main factions. The Democratic Alliance values the PLO's independence of Arab countries patronage, seeks to maintain the PLO's integrity, and favors Arafat's remaining in office. The other faction, the FATAH rebels, want to remove Arafat; sever relations with Jordan and Egypt; and tie the PLO exclusively to the radical Arab countries of Syria, Libya, and Algeria. The likelihood of political achievements is small, but it would offer an alternative to the thought that armed struggle is the only way to achieve Palestinian goals. Palestinian terrorist activity can be considered in three sectors: terrorism inside Israel, always a top priority; terrorist attacks from neighboring countries; and international terrorism, less used since 1974. 1 Note.