M I D - E A S T  R E A L I T I E S - LIE OF THE WEEK

Arafat Regime Disastrous For Palestinians Says Expert

[MER - Reality, contrary to the disinformation that is so widespread in the West, especially in the U.S., is that Oslo and all that has flowed from it, have been economically, political, socially, and psychologically disastrous for the Palestinian people.]

"The political situation under the 'Palestinian Authority' is now far worse than it was before Oslo. People are disillusioned, intimidated and -- in sharp contrast with the past -- depoliticized. Opposition to Arafat is not permitted. The political parties, which used also to fulfill important social functions, have been destroyed. Civil society is weakening. Israel pursued a policy of de-institutionalization and the PA is continuing this policy. Viable civic institutions continue to function but are under constant threat, especially those associated with the Islamic movement. The PA is clearly trying to eliminate indigenous institutions and replace them with its own."

[This bold conclusion is from a talk at the Brown University Watson Institute for International Studies, 1/30/97, by Sara Roy, a Research Fellow at Harvard University's Center for Middle Eastern Studies. Ms. Roy is among the foremost American experts on the Palestinian economy. This quote is from notes of Ms. Roy's remarks prepared by Stephen Shenfield, researcher at the Watson Institute, and approved by Ms. Roy. The full report is available at the Web site at address: http://www.MiddleEast.Org/roy1.htm]