Those who sow the wind are likely to harvest the tempest

After Hamas took over Gaza Strip in June of 2007, and in light of the increased American and Israeli concern about 'terrorism' (its resources and activities whether in the West Bank or in Gaza Strip) and also in an attempt to beautify the image of the Palestinian National Authority and its various institutions in the eyes of the world community (particularly Israel and US) it was naturally expected though not appreciated, that the PNA would take such measures that would lead to dissolving and 'reorganising' the Zakat Committees, with the objective of 'drying up' the resources of 'terrorism'.

Our objection here rests with the intention behind this action (i.e. total control over civil society organisations) and the way it was taken and the final 'product' of these measures. Along this line, and as a result of revising local and foreign documents, as well as holding dialogues with some officials and well-informed persons in Palestine, it became clear to me that this major and dangerous decision had major and dangerous reasons and consequences.

Bureaucratic manner

In my last article, as we discussed the conditions, the reasons and the consequences of dissolving and revamping the panels, we confirmed that reforming/ reorganising these committees can be acceptable. But we preferred this reform to be done through dialogue, where defects could be pinpointed and then reform follows. Also, as we concluded that the measures taken were done in a superior, bureaucratic and hasty way, we registered that the personnel who were installed in these committees were, with rare exceptions, unqualified and ill-reputed in many aspects.

According to documents that we had scrutinised and discussions that we have had, it is our firm belief that, in general, many of the appointees do not enjoy the necessary credibility for such a task. Quite a number of trustworthy and qualified persons were, unfortunately, overlooked, while political opportunists and hypocrites were 'chosen'!

Is it wise to bestow such a philanthropic responsibility on such a calibre of people? Again we must repeat that a few of the new personnel are exempt, especially those who had taken up the appointment with the purpose of minimising the losses and ascertaining that the flow of donations will continue.

Indeed, those few do enjoy good reputation and wide popularity and will, therefore, play a role in minimising the damage if not having a positive effect. Still, after all this, what was the end result?

When the measures are pompously, hastily, undemocratically and despotically taken, with the sole objective of total control through removing existing personnel, how can we expect right, popular, effective and lasting aid? How can we expect to help the society and fend off favouritism and corruption? It is most unfortunate that the results were most disappointing in as far as 'reorganising' the Zakat Committees in the whole West Bank.

On top of that, the creation of a new expense account in the 'reorganisation' process (called administrative expenses) cast even more doubt on the credibility of the new administration. Now, growing numbers of people blame the Palestinian National Authority government, being the ultimate decision-maker.

Deprivation

What is more dangerous is the fact that many benefactors, for obvious reasons, have refrained from contributing any more to the new committees. They simply have no more confidence that their Zakat 'tax' or contributions will go to needy people.

What is most dangerous is that the said measures have led to depriving many needy people of the subsistence that was meant to keep them 'living' and drives them away from adopting extremist actions. Perhaps it is good to recall here the words of the fourth Muslim Caliph (Ali Bin Abi-Taleb): "I wonder how a hungry person does not go and encounter people with his sword drawn out!"

At this point we can clearly expect that the measures taken against the old committees would encourage extremism and terrorism, which we disapprove of. Taking the above-mentioned measures was, indeed, like one shooting one's own foot when aiming at the extremists and the terrorists!

For poverty, deprivation and oppression are but a 'fertile land' for extremism vis-Ã -vis moderation, violence vis-Ã -vis tolerance and terrorism vis-Ã -vis peaceful resistance.

How can we - at least some of us - support the efforts of Condoleezza Rice, the US Secretary of State, to have the Israelis remove the walls and checkpoints (without any success so far!) on the pretext of helping minimise unemployment, suffering and hunger among Palestinians, while at the same time we take an aggressive attitude against the committees that had for long played a prominent role in feeding the hungry and quenching the thirsty and was active in creating civil security, without being biased to or against any party, and without being part of the resources of extremism, if not terrorism?

How can we - at least some of us - support the "struggle" of Tony Blair, the Quartet envoy, to ameliorate the Palestinians' living conditions, as a means of fending off extremism and developing the feelings of forgiveness and toleration (aiming at a "peaceful solution") then, at the same time, we hasten to deal a blow against a popular, credible and democratic structure (i.e. the Zakat Committees) that had helped in fighting poverty and bridging the internal Palestinian social gaps and consequently leading to creating such atmospheres that are neither tense nor extremist nor terrorist? Yes, indeed, "he who plants the wind shall harvest the tempest!"

Professor As'ad Abdul Rahman is the Chairman of the Palestinian Encyclopedia.