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Munib al-Masri (left) with Yasser Arafat and Mahmoud Abbas in 2003 (AP) Last update - 08:24 16/11/2007 Palestinian billionaire launches movement to rival Fatah, Hamas By The Associated Press Tags: Fatah, Palestinians, Hamas Hundreds of Palestinian business people and professionals, led by an influential billionaire, launched a new political movement Thursday, reflecting growing disillusionment with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah party. Fatah dominated Palestinian politics for decades, but failed to reform or clean up its corrupt image, even after a painful loss to Hamas in parliament elections nearly two years ago. Billionaire businessman Munib al-Masri, 73, inaugurated his Palestine Forum with meetings in Ramallah and Gaza, linked by video conference. Supporters said he would convert the new group into a political party and field candidates in the next Palestinian election. No date for an election has been set. Advertisement Fatah and Hamas have been locked in a bitter struggle since the 2006 election swept Fatah from power. In June, Hamas forces overran Gaza, prompting Abbas to dismiss the Hamas-led government and appoint his own, which, in effect, rules only the West Bank. Recent polls have shown that about a third of the people have no faith in either party. Al-Masri said he plans to step into that breech, emphasizing the economy, education and welfare programs for the needy as well as reuniting the West Bank and Gaza. "My concern about the fate of my people has driven me to form a national democratic body that cares about people," al-Masri told The Associated Press. "The situation is very difficult, the national cause is deteriorating and people are frustrated." The U.S.-educated al-Masri runs an investment company that controls the telecommunications sector, and has holdings in industry, agriculture, tourism and in banks. His leadership appeals to the West Bank's elite and middle class, trying to protest their investments and businesses in a chaotic political situation. Since Abbas formed his new government, the West has resumed aid to his regime, but the situation remains critical, with overall unemployment of about 30 percent and more than half the people under the poverty line. At the same time, Israel sealed the borders of Hamas-ruled Gaza, deepening poverty there. Hamas, which rejects the existence of Israel, is listed as a terror group by Israel, Europe and the United States. Fatah favors peace with Israel. The 2006 election reflected frustration with Fatah for corruption, nepotism and ineffective rule as much as support for Hamas. Members of the Palestine Forum said if Fatah does not reform itself, the new group is poised to replace it. Palestinian public opinion expert Jamil Rabah said "that is a distinct possibility. The people are closer to Fatah, supporting a peaceful solution to the conflict with Israel, so if Fatah doesn't reform itself, people would see the Forum as an alternative. Bookmark to del.icio.us   Best served cold Safed chief rabbi calls on state to exact 'revenge' against Arabs. Interfaith get-together Saudi King plans first interfaith conference to include Jews.   1.   Wow, This Could Be Great News 22:02  |  Jane 15/11/07   2.   Meaningless 22:19  |  Natallie Durson 15/11/07   3.   An antithesis to Arafat 22:20  |  Nora 15/11/07   4.   There will be no Palestinian state, Israel will be 22:21  |  Israeli 15/11/07   5.   You know what happens to nice guys in the ME? 22:22  |  Danite 15/11/07   6.   he became successful because 22:28  |  nmf 15/11/07   7.   Maybe this is a good solution 22:32  |  KUTW 15/11/07   8.   #3 22:39  |  Sani Paul 15/11/07   9.   Interesting post from Natallie Durson 22:45  |  Even Steven 15/11/07   10.   Money DOESN`T BUY Brains! Now Is Not The Time For This! 23:08  |  Proud Pal Defender 15/11/07   11.   Durson - Beginning to see the light? 23:17  |  jimmi G 15/11/07   12.   Palestinian billionaire??? 23:30  |  vik 15/11/07   13.   This new party appeals to the elite middle class in the West Bank 23:33  |  lakshmi 15/11/07   14.   Mr. Masri is one who can make it happens 23:37  |  El-birawi 15/11/07   15.   #2 - sorry but you forgot that an hudna is not peace ! 23:46  |  redmike 15/11/07   16.   "Fatah favors peace with Israel" 00:13  |  Amnon 16/11/07   17.   Proud Pal Defender - 3rd Way is GOOD! 00:30  |  Nizo the Palestinian 16/11/07   18.   good sign but doubtful he will live long 00:59  |  shai 16/11/07   19.   Palestine Forum 01:36  |  akiva (zionist) 16/11/07   20.   Meaningless Natallie 01:40  |  akiva (zionist) 16/11/07   21.   lakshmi, shocks me! 01:43  |  akiva (zionist) 16/11/07   22.   billionaire taking the horns by the bull...! 01:47  |  akiva (zionist) 16/11/07   23.   Yes, the Arab world needs more corrupt billionaire politicians 01:57  |  Tarik 16/11/07   24.   #12 02:11  |  airy fi umack 16/11/07   25.   #2 Durson...Hamas is cannon fodder. 02:34  |  Lynn 16/11/07   26.   # 13 lakshmi..HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH 02:36  |  Lynn 16/11/07   27.   # 14 El-birawi 02:41  |  Lynn 16/11/07   28.   ElBirawi & Nizo,the Palestinian,wish you all luck,now let us see 02:45  |  lakshmi 16/11/07   29.   He can start by Paying Palestine`s Bills 03:02  |  Efox 16/11/07   30.   Thats odd - His name Al Masri say`s he`s Egyptian 03:24  |  * BEN JABO 16/11/07   31.   Dream on 03:40  |  GIORA 16/11/07   32.   BEN JABO -Arafat was born in Egypt 03:45  |  GPS 16/11/07   33.   Gaydamak 03:46  |  Ploni 16/11/07   34.   Nora #3 and Shai #18 04:11  |  Ramzi, a Palestinian 16/11/07   35.   Time For Pals To Take Down Posters Of Terrorists And... 07:10  |  Yosemite 16/11/07   36.   I Want To Know Something... 07:18  |  Yosemite 16/11/07   37.   #17 Nizo--Other Options IS Usually Good! GOOD Timing Is Too! 07:24  |  Proud Pal Defender 16/11/07   38.   If memory serves me correctly, al-Masri earned his fortune during 08:06  |  Jacob Blues 16/11/07   39.   #21: That would be Israel 08:23  |  5th generation 16/11/07   40.   #17 Nizo--Other Options IS Usually Good! GOOD Timing Is Too! 08:43  |  Proud Pal Defender 16/11/07   41.   Watch out Mr. Masri! 09:08  |  Chim Dakar 16/11/07   42.   What company does he own? 10:36  |  Arthur 16/11/07   43.   NOT A CHANCE IN HELL 10:39  |  Muna C 16/11/07   44.   Nizo the Palestinian I agree with you 11:07  |  Margie in Tel Aviv 16/11/07   45.   Tarik your jealousy is showing 11:09  |  Margie in Tel Aviv 16/11/07   46.   23 Tarik, al masri is clearly the american favourite,and as 11:45  |  lakshmi 16/11/07   47.   WHAT`S HE DONE TO HELP THE PALS SO FAR? 13:10  |  Petra 16/11/07   48.   Response to Margie 13:31  |  Tarik 16/11/07   49.   #32 GPS 15:51  |  * BEN JABO 16/11/07   50.   I`m for a Palestinian State, but... 16:08  |  Amnon 16/11/07   51.   #50 Fabricated nation? Fabricated nation??? 22:15  |  Saladin 16/11/07   52.   Third Way? 22:27  |  Motic 26/03/08

Today Online Safed chief rabbi calls on state to exact 'revenge' against Arabs Responses: 179 Blair: Middle East peace process a 'race against time' Responses: 129 Mubarak: Gaza tension brings Iran threat closer Responses: 54 PA fails in fight against terror, U.S. officials determine Responses: 70 Top Fatah official: Housing Min. inviting Palestinians to start a fresh Intifada Responses: 40 Rosner's Domain Obama rejects advisor's comments on American Jews and peace process Poll: what percentage Jews will vote McCain? Kurtzer: The pro-Israel lobby, not obstacle for peace How many voters will abandon the Democratic Party? (WTR) Slight preference for Clinton among Jewish Democrats More Headlines 22:11 Sderot man lightly hurt in fresh Qassam barrage on Negev town 22:25 Knesset panel to consider recognition of Armenian genocide 20:00 Abbas: Talks with Israel broach all core issues including J'lem 22:51 Netanyahu slams decision to give PA more security equipment 21:57 IDF soldier dies of wounds sustained in gun cleaning accident 20:41 Olmert threatens 'painful' steps against Hamas, rules out truce 19:41 IDF captures Hamas man behind 2002 Passover bombing at Netanya hotel 20:46 Obama: I disagree with aide who blamed 'NY, Miami' for failed peace talks 15:55 Safed chief rabbi calls on state to exact 'revenge' against Arabs 20:53 Arab League: Syria summit to adopt Yemen plan for Hamas-Fatah truce 17:19 PA to probe ex-Arafat aide over multi-million dollar Aqaba project 18:57 Abducted soldier's father slams PM, military for son's capture 12:30 Finance Ministry devising plan to lure billionaire Jews to Israel Previous Editions Select Day 25 mar 24 mar 23 mar 21 mar 20 mar 19 mar 18 mar 17 mar 16 mar 14 mar 13 mar 12 mar

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