Take responsibility!

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When will the Palestinian political system pull itself together? When will Palestinian factions come back to their senses? Why are theatrics getting in the way of national reconciliation? And why can't the chieftains, on both the nationalist and Islamic fronts, listen to their people? The present charade has gone on for too long and did nothing to restore external confidence in the ability of Palestinians to run their own affairs.

Hamas doesn't want to admit that national unity is in its interest, as well as in the interest of everyone else. Its tactics of character assassination are unacceptable. The more Hamas escalates the situation, the more it undermines its own support. The same thing goes for Fatah. The Fatah movement lost power and must start acting accordingly, as an opposition group with a solid track record.

The Palestinian political system has lost its bearings. Its leaders have lost touch with the public mood. The Palestinian people need security. They need protection from gun-toting militiamen. They need financial stability. They need decent living conditions. And they expect their leaders to step up to their responsibilities.

There are several facts that all must bear in mind. First, the current regional situation makes it necessary for the Palestinians to become more proactive. They have to give and take and recognise their opportunities and limitations.

Second, the US-sponsored "Greater Middle East" scheme is making inroads into Lebanon, Iraq and Palestine. Palestinian leaders must stay on the ball, or else become irrelevant.

Third, the ongoing strife in Iraq, Lebanon and Palestine is not accidental, nor is it a straightforward power struggle. Strife is part of Washington's way of dividing the region and breaking its countries into pieces.

Fourth, domestic divisions are already taking their toll on many Arab countries.

The Palestinians need to get their act together. They need to match their needs with international and regional demands. The Palestinian political scene has lost vigour and creativity. This is why it's been so hard to find a breakthrough to the current debacle. Unfortunately, Hamas and Fatah both suffer from tunnel vision.

The Palestinian people should speak out and make their voice heard. They must make it clear that Palestine is still under occupation, that Palestine belongs to all Palestinians, that no one is entitled to take sole control of the national cause, that dialogue is imperative, and that the people, not the leaders, must decide their own future.