Palestinians in Chaos and the Future of Arafat

As Israel prepares to withdraw from Gaza next year, Palestinians are starting to grapple with the reality of running the place by themselves. They are increasingly angry with their own leadership and demanding changes to eradicate corruption and develop civil society.

"Chaos" was the watchword in the Gaza Strip this past weekend. On Friday, Palestinian militants kidnapped four French aid workers and two Palestinian security officials, only to release them hours later. On Saturday, Arafat replaced the head of Gaza security with his cousin, but was forced by popular outrage to re-appoint a deposed chief a day later. Also on Saturday, Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qorei tendered his resignation. Despite Arafat's call for Qorei to continue, his resignation still stands.

Click one of the "Listen" links to hear about the recent chaos in Palestinian territories and the future of Palestinian leadership.

Guests:

Ilene Prusher, Jerusalem Bureau Chief for the Christian Science Monitor

Mustafa Barghouthi, head of the Palestinian National Initiative

George Bisharat, professor of law at the University of California Hastings College of the Law, consultant with the Palestinian Legislative Council on its law on independence of the judiciary and its draft penal code

Martin Indyk, director of the Saban Center for Middle East Policy, The Brookings Insitution and former Ambssador to Israel (1995-1997 and 2000 to 2001)