Can the Palestinians cope with extremists?

Maybe not...but couldn't they even try?

Endemic corruption, factionalism and gangsterism inside Palestinian security services make them incapable of dealing with armed extremist groups, says an independent study made public yesterday.

The 82-page report drawn up by a Washington-based thinktank called Strategic Assessments Initiative paints a picture of complete disarray among the soldiers and police working for the Palestinian Authority.

Only one in four possesses a weapon, there is a critical shortage of ammunition, and senior positions are handed out along clan lines rather than on merit. This is in contrast to groups such as Hamas and Islamic Jihad, which are well armed and organised.

The report's findings suggest the so-called Road Map to peace remains blocked, since a precondition of the agreement demands the authority neutralises all armed radical groups.

The report is pretty damning...but, for my money, they aren't even trying to come to grips with terrorist groups...let alone the fact that there are many terrorists amongst the PA.