US to expand PLO military power

Just what Jewish civilians in Israel wanted to hear. The entire Fatah terrorist organization, or PLO, an organization dedicated to destroying Israel and wiping out all the Jews, is now going to be provided massive support and training by the US in an effort to build up their military capabilities from a disorganized militia to a full-fledged army.

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - The United States is considering expanding assistance beyond Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's presidential guard to members of the largest force under his command, Western and Palestinian officials said.

Providing U.S. funds to train elements of Abbas's National Security Forces (NSF), in addition to the presidential guard, could increase U.S. involvement in the violent power struggle between Abbas's Fatah faction and the governing Hamas movement.

Officials said members of the NSF would undergo a review process to ensure they are qualified and have no ties to militant groups before undergoing the training.

"They need a lot of work," said a Palestinian security source who has been involved in evaluating the forces.

President Bush has committed $86 million to provide training and non-lethal equipment to forces loyal to Abbas. Guns and ammunition are being supplied by key U.S. allies Jordan and Egypt, with Israeli approval, Israeli officials say.

And the beat goes on...

-MZ