PHR
Fatah, PLO and PNA — Where Will He Go Next?
As a major leader and icon in the Palestinian revolutionist movement, Yasser or Yasir Arafat(Kunya, Abu Ammar) is a figure of utmost importance, and is worthy of being discussed. Not solely through an imperialist lens, as many people have looked upon him in the past.
Arafat was a co-founder of the Fatah, which was a paramilitary organization for the liberation of Palestine, and an important key of the movement.
As well as founding Fatah, Arafat was chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization, President of Palestine and President of the Palestinian Authority(PNA).
"FaTaH is a reverse acronym of the Arabic name Harakat al-Tahrir al-Watani al-Filastini which translates into "The Palestinian National Liberation Movement". "Fatah" is also a word that was used in early Islamic times to refer to 'conquest.'"
An important distinction of the Fatah between other militant organizations during the time of its operation is the ideology of the organization and how they prioritized independence from other Arab governments and support.
Fatah refused donations and support from other Arab governments in order to seek liberation for Palestine, for themselves. While refusing donations, Arafat chose not to alienate the support from other movements, but to simply act independently of these other governments. Our guess would be that Arafat wanted no outside influence upon the militant organization, and wanted Fatah to act as its own entity, rather than having financial fingers grip the leash of liberty.
Later on to fund the Fatah, Arafat sought help from other wealthy Palestinians -- which we think is significant to the nationalism and belief system that Arafat held.
Of course, a main point of contention amongst the life of Arafat would have to be discussed here; in 1988, after many battles and successes in Arafat's career, he decided to open up conversations with the Israelis in an attempt to reach an agreement for liberation and a two-state solution. This, as we've learned -- did not end so well.
Arafat returned to Palestine, settling in Gaza until 2004, being confined and essentially jailed by Israelis and falling into a coma, and passing away. Lots of scholars point to foul play and assassination. But, who are we to allege things?
The life and death of Yasser Arafat (ياسر عرفات) resulted in a lot of progress for the Palestinian people and its liberation. We're here to commemorate his life and actions.
Thanks for reading another short article on a hero and martyr for a movement we care deeply for.
We'd recommend you to read 'Yasir Arafat: A Political Biography' via APNA if you so choose.