A Daily Analysis
By Marc Schulman

November 12, 2007 Large Demonstration in Gaza

There was a surprise in Gaza today. Most observers believed that Fatah was completely powerless in the Gaza Strip. Imagine the surprise today when Fatah held a rally in memory of Yasser ArafatÉ and over 100,000 people showed up. It was not only political observers who were surprised, but so it would seem was the Hamas. They did not know how to react. So, they decided to break up the rally in the only way they seemed to knowÉ they opened fire with live weapons. At least six were killed and hundred were wounded. This was the largest clash between Fatah and Hamas since the takeover. This clearly showed that there are a great number of people who are willing to come out to a rally, which was effectively a rally against the Hamas. Maybe all those who have been saying that the economic and other sanctions are self-defeating may be wrong.


President Shimon Peres is on a state visit to Turkey. The Turkish leadership received Peres very warmly. The one area where there was a clear disagreement was on the question of the economic sanctions against Iran. President Peres made clear he opposed the Turkish PresidentŐs stated position that Iran should have the right to develop nuclear power. Peres was not shy in responding to the Turkish position publicly. He stated that Iran has no need for nuclear power, since it has sufficient oil and gas. Furthermore, Peres went on to say that Iran is developing ballistic missiles. The only possible purpose of the ballistic missiles would be to put nuclear warheads on them. Although Presidents of Israel are not supposed to engage in political activity, is it good that Peres does not like to follow the rules of the game.