THANKS, ARIEL:

Israeli Pullout Creates Political Opportunity: Shift of Gaza Land and Assets to Palestinians Sharpens Hamas-Fatah Rivalry (Scott Wilson, September 5, 2005, Washington Post)

Israel's withdrawal from Gaza has changed the terms of political debate leading up to important Palestinian parliamentary elections scheduled for Jan. 25 and sharpened the rivalry between Hamas and Fatah, a secular nationalist movement. In the process, the land, water wells and other assets left behind are presenting the two parties with opportunities for political gain, as the campaign quickens for the right to govern what has become the proving ground for a future Palestinian state.

In withdrawing from the settlements, Israel is leaving 20 percent of Gaza's land. According to Palestinian Planning Ministry documents, much of it includes important water resources and environmentally sensitive areas, such as the marshlands of the Gaza Valley. Palestinian officials have sketched out plans for the area, but said details will have to wait until they get their first look at the land this month.

The settlement areas in the far north and south sit above aquifers, which planning documents say could be used to turn the regions into agricultural zones. An agricultural research center with links to a Palestinian university is envisioned for the southern settlement of Morag.

The central settlement of Netzarim will become part of the urban area of Gaza City and serve as part of the project to rehabilitate the city's seaport. The Erez industrial park in the north will be developed. But the smaller industrial area outside Neve Dekalim in the south will be dismantled, according to planning documents.

During the Israeli evacuation, Palestinian officials made a quixotic attempt to impose order on the celebrations unfolding in the streets, permitting only the Palestinian national flag to be displayed at public rallies. But the flags along median strips are increasingly outnumbered by party banners, militant slogans and triumphant graffiti.

Most of the displays are the trademark green of Hamas, including a pair of banners dangling outside the home of Abu Akram Bahar, located along a street of sand in Gaza City, about seven miles north of here.

"We do consider the Israeli withdrawal as an achievement of the steadfastness of all Palestinians," said Bahar, 56, a senior Hamas official with a tidy gray beard and a voice so soft the whirr of a ceiling fan washes it out. "In any event, there are elections coming up. The ballots will decide."

Consider that last sentiment and ponder what the Bush/Sharon team has achieved.

Posted by Orrin Judd at September 5, 2005 9:33 AM