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In the past as well as in the present, there have been two changes that the average Palestinian desired as peace dividends: (1) to look out the window every day and not see Israeli soldiers and (2) an improved standard of living. In the first disengagement from Gaza in 1994, there were no more Israeli soldiers in Gaza, but the quality of life drastically declined. The poor socio-economic conditions in the region increased Islamic extremists’ activity and terrorism. These Islamic groups gained power, not by replacing political authorities at the higher levels, but through acquiring popularity at the grassroots level by providing people with basic necessities that have an immediate and perceptible impact on their standard of living.

In 1984, for example, Hizbullah purchased a large number of farms, pharmacies and clinics which allowed it to provide free food and health care, thus boosting its profile in the Occupied Territories. Hamas is using the same tactics today to expand its constituency and acquire greater popularity among the Palestinian people. By providing basic goods and social services to underprivileged neighborhoods, they get the support of the people and their political allegiance.

Abu Mazen cannot improve the political situation in Palestine without the support of the people, and he currently does not have their support because he cannot match the goods and services that Hamas provides. Hamas does not provide 100% of services to 100% of the people, but the people do not expect them to provide full goods and services to the entire population. The Palestinian authorities, however, are expected to provide a complete range of services to the whole population, and herein lies the difficulty. The Palestinian authorities have to invest much more effort and resources in order to meet these high expectations. This problem is not unique to Palestine; governments throughout the Middle East face the challenge of soaring demographic growth rates and booming populations. Egypt, for instance has to cater to the needs of about one million additional people every nine months.

One of Abu Mazen’s main challenges is to disarm Hamas. This is an important step, but if the Palestinian people continue to support Hamas even after it disarms, then the disarmament would be useless. Abu Mazen can only reassert his political influence by creating jobs, and by providing housing, education, and medical care. The construction of high rise apartment complexes is a particularly promising opportunity, as it can provide employment for Palestinians as well as housing for returning refugees. These projects need not involve billions of dollars, and as long as the funds are issued into approved projects, these problems can be taken care of fairly quickly.

A viable Palestinian state is possible, but its formation and stability will require work and consistent efforts from both sides. Israel can help strengthen Palestine’s economy by facilitating trade, and most importantly the export of goods out of Palestine, as well as releasing innocent Palestinian prisoners. One thousand prisoners without blood on there hands could be released tomorrow. The Palestinians can help by allowing themselves to be trained in skills necessary for employment. Bilateral discussion between Israel and Palestine is also necessary for political stability, but the pressing issues of the moment are those of practicality. If the basic necessities of the people are taken care of and their problems are addressed, the authorities can gain their support and the political problems can then be solved.