GAZA CITY — A senior Palestinian Authority official said U.S. security aid has made almost no dent in
the ability of PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas to confront Hamas forces.
"The aid went to Abu Mazen [Abbas] and [Fatah security chief Mohammed]
Dahlan," the official said. "People are still getting maybe 25 percent of
their salaries every month."
The
official, who did not want to be identified, said most of the aid did not
benefit the average security officer, Middle East Newsline reported.
The official, in an account confirmed by other PA sources, said morale
has dropped sharply in the security forces. He said U.S. training and
equipping programs have been marred by an unwillingness by Fatah-aligned
forces to confront Hamas.
"There is no discipline or motivation," the official said. "Very few will
put his life on the line in fighting Hamas if he can't even take home his
1,200 shekel
[$280] a month in salary."
The official said Dahlan has taken over PA security agencies loyal to
Abbas. The official said about 200 officers were dismissed by Abbas and
replaced by those appointed by Dahlan.
"Dahlan does not understand anything about the military," the official
said. "He understands intelligence. What is required now is force-building."
The official said commanders have resisted Dahlan's orders to prepare for
a confrontation with Hamas. He said the Mecca agreement on Feb. 8 bolstered
Hamas and demonstrated its alliance with Saudi Arabia.
"Abu Mazen was unable to deal with both the Saudis and Hamas together,"
the official said. "We heard that the Saudis gave him an ultimatum and he
capitulated."
The official said virtually all of the U.S. aid has gone to the
Presidential Guards. He said the PG was the most disciplined force in the
PA, but asserted that its training was limited to guarding Abbas.
"They are good bodyguards," the official said. "They can open the order
for Abu Mazen. They are not a military force. Hamas, however, has proven
that it is a military force."
