Salam Fayyad’s resignation as Palestinian premier seen as blow to peace plan
Al-Shabaka cofounder Nadia Hijab quoted on Salaam Fayyad's resignation: "'Abbas-Fayyad relations have been tense for years but Fayyad had to be kept on as prime minister to keep Western donors happy,' said Nadia Hijab, the director of al Shabaka, a Palestinian policy research center. But many blamed the same policies that kept the United States and other Western countries happy for the dismal economy in the Palestinian-ruled West Bank. Hijab said Fayyad's policies were blamed 'for multiplying the deprivation of the 46-year Israeli occupation.' The policies were 'especially unpopular' among members of the Fatah movement, which had enjoyed years of patronage and is the base of Abbas’ support."
