and there was. 2700 deaths later, they begin to tire. About time
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/news/4688701.htm
Palestinians rethink uprising after two years of bloodshed
By Karn Laub
Associated Press[/size]
RAMALLAH, West Bank - After more than two years of silence, a slowly swelling chorus of Palestinian leaders and opinion-makers says taking up arms against Israel was a mistake and must stop.
The latest voice is that of Jibril Rajoub, once the most powerful security chief in the West Bank, who says he warned Yasser Arafat 10 days after the start of the uprising that allowing armed gangs to take over would lead to disaster.
Rajoub's forecast has proven chillingly accurate: 26 months later, nearly 2,000 Palestinians and nearly 700 Israelis are dead, the Palestinian economy is crushed, Israel has reoccupied the West Bank and Israeli travel bans have turned many Palestinian towns into virtual prison camps.
The criticism comes as possible war with Iraq looms and as Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon fights for re-election against a dovish political newcomer, Amram Mitzna. But its main spur may be signs the Palestinian public is tiring of the price for suicide bombings in Israel.
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/news/4688701.htm