Thursday, September 25, 2008

Funding Palestinian terrorism

Since the Palestinian Authority was recognized in 1994, it has received more aid per capita than was given out under the Marshall Plan after World War II. Between 1994 and 2004, the United States gave the Palestinians $1.3 billion; the EU $1.1 billion, and Japan $530 million. Over time, the PLO accumulated a vast war chest, estimated 10 years ago at up to $14 billion.

At the same time, the PLO became a leader in money-laundering, drug running, terrorism and corruption. Very little of the money trickled down to the average Palestinian; rather s/he has remained oppressed and disenfranchised. For details on how the Palestinian authorities have used the funds they received, see this report by Rachel Ehrenfeld, as well as another by the UK TaxPayers' Alliance. The latter points out, despite claims to have reformed their finances, the Palestinian Authority is still using UK monies for such things as hate-filled Palestinian schoolbooks.

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