The chairman of the Palestinian Authority, Abu Mazen, is having a difficult time. The 86-year-old leader has good reason to be worried: the big threat facing him this time comes from the ranks of his party - the Fatah movement.
Anger and frustration are prevailing these days within the Fatah movement against the Rais, in what appears to be a rebellion against his policies and his sole rule. A position that brings him closer to the presidency.
Many within Fatah challenge the appointment of a-Sheikh. Despite being a senior Fatah official, there are veteran candidates in the movement who see themselves as potential successors, led by Jibril Rajoub.
To the outrage within Abu Mazen's movement is added Fatah's scorching defeat in the elections to the Student Union at Bir Zeit University.
Hussein a-Sheikh.
His appointment as Fatah secretary general provoked resentment,
The loss to Hamas in Bir Zeit led to an exchange of accusations, and to a series of resignations among Fatah district chiefs.
Fatah rebels say they are paying the price for Abu Mazen's mistakes. Continuing security coordination with Israel is seen by them as subservience and a useless policy, which politically weakens the movement in the Palestinian arena. Ishtia, amid allegations of mismanagement, and pressure on Abu Mazen from within his party has increased following al-Aqsa events.
In the face of criticism, he convened the Palestinian leadership late Tuesday night to discuss the situation.
According to a source in Ramallah, Abu Mazen and Hussein a-Sheikh were in a minority position.
"After Hamas did not respond after the march and al-Aqsa became a 'synagogue,' a historic move must be made to prove that we are the Palestinian leadership," those present at the conference said, calling for an end to security coordination with Israel.
The stalemate in the political situation is pushing Abu Mazen to convey messages of threat to the Americans, with the main goal being to silence the unrest within Fatah.
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