The growing authoritarianism of the Arafat regime

Palestinian politics on the move: From revolution to peace and statehood

“…Accordingly, the future Palestinian state may become authoritarian and different from what most Palestinians have wished for while searching to restore their claims. 88 However, the creation of a Palestinian state per se will be a major watershed in the history of the region. An emerging Palestinian state would have to address major new challenges concerning its ability/inability to gain political legitimacy and its willingness to adopt democracy.…”

Redefining security in the Middle East

“…Yet the PA has been ambivalent at best towards them, if not outright hostile, thus weakening them and their activities (Jamal, 2001). Some observers now believe that Palestinian politics is becoming increasingly authoritarian and despotic, as a result of the PA's attempts to consolidate its own power at the expense of political freedoms (Robinson, 1997). 27 Similar to the methods employed by Arab regimes in the past, Arafat has asserted executive control in the name of achieving national goals, particularly against Israel (Shain and Sussman, 1998).…”

“…It has generated considerable criticism for ineffectual and corrupt government (see Robinson, 1997). 13 The regime often seeks to defend itself for its inadequacies by laying blame on Israel for imposing restrictive economic measures and demanding the apprehension of terrorists.…”