TW: Certainly signs of hope are too few in the Israeli-Palestinian conflicts, but they exist. This one is particularly relevant as it relates to the oft discussed, little followed and depressingly challenging task of nation building. The U.S. has been funding the development of an indigenous West Bank Palestinian security force in cooperation with the Israelis, Jordanians and other outside representatives. It appears to be bearing fruit.
From the Int'l Herald Tribune:
"..."These guys [the Palestinian security force] now feel like they're on a winning team, that they are building a Palestinian state," said Lieutenant General Keith Dayton, the American who has been overseeing the training of Palestinian forces, as he watched exercises on Thursday. "And I wouldn't stay if I didn't think they were going to do it. I have complete confidence in the Palestinian leadership, and I'm convinced the new administration is serious about this."
...But for much of the past year, the Palestinian security forces have trained and increased their role as if all remained on track. Some 1,600 have been through American-financed courses in Jordan. In coordination with Israeli defense officials, Palestinian troops and police officers have taken over much of the patrolling in the West Bank cities of Jenin, Nablus, Bethlehem and parts of Hebron.
Last month, as Israel carried out a war in Hamas-ruled Gaza, some in the Muslim world called on the West Bank to stage a violent uprising in protest. But while there were demonstrations, no such uprising occurred, partly because the Palestinian Authority troops maintained tight order.
...Dayton was due to end his three-year assignment, but Mitchell asked him to stay on for two more years and he has agreed. His decision has been greeted with something approaching jubilation in these camps, where the commanders have come to trust him and to view Washington, through him, as a true ally.
...Dayton is one of the few military men who ply a path between the Palestinian and Israeli officers on a daily basis. He is diplomatic when asked about the tensions.
But his commitment to helping the Palestinians build a responsible and serious security force is enormous. He hopes to have a well-trained battalion based in each of eight West Bank cities when he is through...."
http://www.iht.com/articles/2009/02/27/africa/27palestinians.php
No comments:
Post a Comment