Abstract
The Middle East conflict has been with us for the last three decades. Despite four wars and several attempts to solve the conflict nothing substantial has been achieved in the way of real peace in the area« The aim of this paper is to shed light on one of the main parties of the conflict: The Palestinians. | Until recently the Palestinian problem has been viewed as a problem of "refugees” and dealt with from a humanitarian point of view. Since 1967 circumstances have helped the Palestinians in taking a stronger initiative in deciding their fate. | This paper will attempt to answer questions arising from the following subjects: 1, The attachment of the Palestinians to Palestine, 2, The Palestinian leadership--its outlook, orientations and divisions, 3, The rise of the Fedayeen movements (Fedayeen are Commandos who sacrifice themselves for the motherland), the multiplicity of the groups and the prospects and the implications of their future unity, 4, The attitude of the different Arab regimes toward the Fedayeen, 5. The proposal for a "Democratic Palestine" and 6.The chance of peace in the area with or without the Palestinians.