Why Was The Plo Originally Created

The Genesis of the PLO: Understanding the Roots of the Palestine Liberation Organization

The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) remains a pivotal, and often controversial, entity in the landscape of Middle Eastern politics. Understanding its origins is crucial to grasping the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the ongoing pursuit of Palestinian self-determination. Far from being a spontaneous uprising, the PLO's creation was the culmination of decades of displacement, political maneuvering, and a growing sense of disillusionment among Palestinians who felt abandoned by the international community. The PLO's establishment in 1964 marked a turning point, transforming the Palestinian struggle from one largely reliant on Arab states to a more independent movement focused on achieving its own objectives.

This article delves into the historical context surrounding the PLO's inception, examining the key factors that led to its formation, the political climate of the time, and the initial goals and strategies adopted by the organization. By understanding the "why" behind the PLO's creation, we can gain a deeper appreciation of its evolving role in the pursuit of Palestinian rights and its continued influence on the geopolitical dynamics of the region.

The Seeds of Discontent: Precursors to the PLO

To understand the PLO’s emergence in 1964, we must first examine the historical landscape that nurtured its creation. The seeds of Palestinian nationalism were sown long before the mid-20th century, but the events surrounding the British Mandate for Palestine (1920-1948) and the subsequent establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 proved to be particularly formative.

• The British Mandate and Growing Tensions: The British Mandate, established after the dismantling of the Ottoman Empire, tasked Britain with preparing Palestine for self-governance. However, the mandate also included the Balfour Declaration of 1917, which expressed British support for the establishment of a "national home for the Jewish people" in Palestine. This dual commitment created inherent tensions between the growing Zionist movement and the Arab population, who comprised the vast majority of the inhabitants of Palestine.

• Increasing Jewish Immigration: Jewish immigration to Palestine, spurred by both Zionist aspirations and the increasing persecution of Jews in Europe, steadily increased throughout the mandate period. This influx led to competition for land and resources, fueling Arab resentment and fears of displacement. Violent clashes between Arabs and Jews became increasingly frequent.

• The 1948 Arab-Israeli War and the Nakba: The culmination of these tensions was the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, triggered by Israel's declaration of independence. The war resulted in a devastating defeat for the Arab forces and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, an event known as the Nakba (catastrophe). This mass displacement, the destruction of Palestinian villages, and the loss of their homeland created a deep-seated sense of grievance and a burning desire for redress among Palestinians.

• The Fragmentation of Palestinian Society: The aftermath of the 1948 war left Palestinian society fragmented and dispersed. Many Palestinians became refugees in neighboring Arab countries, living in refugee camps under the administration of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The West Bank came under Jordanian control, while the Gaza Strip was administered by Egypt. This division further weakened the Palestinian national movement and made it difficult to organize and coordinate resistance efforts.

• Arab State Guardianship and Its Limitations: In the years following the Nakba, the cause of the Palestinians was largely championed by the surrounding Arab states, particularly Egypt under Gamal Abdel Nasser. Nasser's pan-Arabist ideology resonated with many Palestinians, and he presented himself as a strong advocate for their rights. However, this reliance on Arab state patronage had its limitations. Arab states often prioritized their own national interests over the specific needs and aspirations of the Palestinians, and their involvement was often driven by geopolitical considerations rather than a genuine commitment to Palestinian self-determination.

These factors – the displacement of 1948, the division of Palestinian territories, and the perceived shortcomings of Arab state support – created a fertile ground for the emergence of a more independent and assertive Palestinian national movement. The PLO was, in many ways, a direct response to these conditions.

The Cairo Summit and the Birth of the PLO: 1964

The official birth of the PLO occurred at the Arab League summit in Cairo in January 1964. The initiative for its creation came primarily from Gamal Abdel Nasser, the President of Egypt. While some might interpret this as continued Arab state control, the motivations behind Nasser's push for the PLO's formation were complex and intertwined with regional politics.

• Nasser's Motivations: Nasser, a leading proponent of Pan-Arabism, saw the Palestinian issue as central to Arab unity and prestige. He believed that a unified Palestinian organization could serve as a focal point for mobilizing Arab support against Israel. Furthermore, the creation of the PLO was partly driven by Nasser's desire to maintain control over the Palestinian movement and prevent the emergence of more radical or independent groups that might challenge his leadership. He also aimed to deter unsanctioned guerrilla attacks against Israel, which could trigger a wider conflict that Egypt was not yet ready for.

• The Role of Ahmed Shukeiri: Nasser appointed Ahmed Shukeiri, a prominent Palestinian lawyer and diplomat, as the first chairman of the PLO. Shukeiri was tasked with uniting various Palestinian factions under a single umbrella organization and formulating a clear political program. He played a crucial role in drafting the Palestinian National Covenant, which outlined the PLO's goals and principles.

• The Palestinian National Covenant: The Palestinian National Covenant, adopted in 1964, declared that "Palestine is the homeland of the Palestinian Arab people" and that "armed struggle is the only way to liberate Palestine." It also affirmed the right of return for Palestinian refugees and called for the elimination of Zionism in Palestine. This document served as the foundational charter of the PLO and provided a framework for its political and military activities.

• Initial Structure and Objectives: The PLO was initially conceived as an umbrella organization encompassing various Palestinian political and military groups. Its initial structure included the Palestinian National Council (PNC), which served as the PLO's parliament-in-exile, and the PLO Executive Committee, which was responsible for the organization's day-to-day operations. The primary objective of the PLO in its early years was the liberation of Palestine through armed struggle. However, the precise meaning of "liberation" and the specific strategies to be employed remained a subject of debate within the organization.

Key Factors Contributing to the PLO's Formation

Beyond Nasser's initiative, several key factors contributed to the emergence and success of the PLO:

• Growing Palestinian Nationalism: The Nakba and its aftermath had a profound impact on Palestinian identity and national consciousness. The experience of displacement, dispossession, and statelessness fueled a growing sense of Palestinian nationalism and a desire for self-determination.

• Disillusionment with Arab State Patronage: As mentioned earlier, many Palestinians felt that Arab states had failed to adequately address their concerns and had often prioritized their own interests over the Palestinian cause. This disillusionment led to a growing desire for a more independent Palestinian movement capable of representing its own interests.

• The Rise of Guerrilla Warfare: The Algerian War of Independence (1954-1962), in which Algerian nationalists successfully fought against French colonial rule, inspired many Palestinians to adopt guerrilla warfare as a means of resistance. The success of the Algerian struggle demonstrated that even a small and relatively weak force could challenge a powerful state through unconventional warfare.

• The Emergence of Fatah: While the PLO was initially conceived as an umbrella organization, the rise of Fatah (the Palestinian National Liberation Movement) played a crucial role in shaping its trajectory. Fatah, founded by Yasser Arafat and other Palestinian activists in the late 1950s, advocated for armed struggle as the primary means of liberating Palestine. Unlike other Palestinian groups that were more closely aligned with Arab states, Fatah emphasized Palestinian self-reliance and independence.

The Aftermath of the Six-Day War and the Ascendancy of Arafat

The 1967 Six-Day War, in which Israel decisively defeated the Arab states and occupied the West Bank, Gaza Strip, East Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights, had a transformative impact on the PLO. The defeat exposed the limitations of Arab state military power and further fueled Palestinian disillusionment. It also led to a significant increase in Palestinian support for armed resistance.

• Increased Popular Support for the PLO: The Six-Day War dramatically increased the PLO's popularity among Palestinians. The organization was seen as the only viable alternative to the failed policies of the Arab states. The war also provided the PLO with new recruits and resources, as thousands of Palestinians joined its ranks.

• The Rise of Yasser Arafat: The aftermath of the Six-Day War saw the ascendancy of Yasser Arafat as the dominant figure within the PLO. Arafat, the leader of Fatah, was elected chairman of the PLO in 1969 and remained in that position until his death in 2004. His leadership transformed the PLO into a more centralized and effective organization.

• Shift Towards Guerrilla Warfare: Following the Six-Day War, the PLO shifted its focus towards guerrilla warfare. PLO fighters launched attacks against Israeli targets from bases in neighboring countries, particularly Jordan and Lebanon. These attacks, while often ineffective militarily, served to raise the profile of the Palestinian cause and put pressure on Israel.

From Revolution to Recognition: The PLO's Evolution

The PLO's early years were characterized by a commitment to armed struggle and the rejection of any compromise with Israel. However, over time, the organization gradually evolved its political strategy and began to explore the possibility of a negotiated settlement.

• The 1974 Ten-Point Program: A significant turning point in the PLO's evolution was the adoption of the Ten-Point Program in 1974. This program, adopted by the Palestinian National Council, stated that the PLO would be willing to establish a "national authority" on any part of Palestine that was liberated. This was widely interpreted as a tacit acceptance of the possibility of a two-state solution.

• International Recognition: Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the PLO gained increasing international recognition. In 1974, the UN General Assembly recognized the PLO as the "sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people" and granted it observer status. Many countries, particularly in the developing world, established diplomatic relations with the PLO.

• The Oslo Accords: The culmination of the PLO's political evolution was the signing of the Oslo Accords with Israel in 1993. These accords, negotiated in secret in Norway, established a framework for interim Palestinian self-government in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The Oslo Accords also led to the establishment of the Palestinian Authority (PA), which was tasked with governing the Palestinian territories.

• The Legacy of the PLO: While the Oslo Accords raised hopes for a peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the peace process ultimately stalled. The PLO continues to exist as the internationally recognized representative of the Palestinian people, but its authority has been challenged by the rise of Hamas, a rival Palestinian group that controls the Gaza Strip. Despite its challenges, the PLO remains a significant actor in the Palestinian political landscape and a symbol of the Palestinian struggle for self-determination.

FAQ: Understanding Common Questions About the PLO

• Q: Why was the PLO considered a terrorist organization by some countries?

  • A: The PLO engaged in armed attacks against Israeli targets, including civilians, particularly in its early years. This led some countries, including the United States and Israel, to designate it as a terrorist organization.

• Q: What is the relationship between the PLO and the Palestinian Authority (PA)?

  • A: The Palestinian Authority was established as a result of the Oslo Accords and is tasked with governing the Palestinian territories. The PLO is the internationally recognized representative of the Palestinian people, while the PA is the administrative body. Many of the leaders of the PA are also leading figures in the PLO.

• Q: What is the PLO's current stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?

  • A: The PLO officially supports a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, based on the 1967 borders. However, the peace process has been stalled for many years, and the PLO's ability to negotiate a final settlement is limited by the internal divisions within the Palestinian movement and the ongoing Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Conclusion: Reflecting on the PLO's Enduring Significance

The Palestine Liberation Organization's creation in 1964 was a direct response to the historical circumstances of displacement, political marginalization, and a growing sense of Palestinian national identity. Born from the ashes of the Nakba and nurtured by disillusionment with Arab state patronage, the PLO emerged as a symbol of Palestinian resistance and a vehicle for the pursuit of self-determination. While its tactics and strategies have evolved significantly over time, from armed struggle to participation in the peace process, the PLO has remained a central player in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Its legacy is complex and multifaceted, marked by both achievements and failures.

Understanding the reasons behind the PLO's formation is essential for comprehending the ongoing struggle for Palestinian rights and the complexities of the Middle East. It highlights the enduring power of national identity in the face of adversity and the persistent desire for self-determination among a people who have long been denied their own state.

How do you think the PLO's legacy will shape the future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict? What role, if any, do you believe the PLO should play in future negotiations?