A victory for Fatah in Birzeit University student body elections signals PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) is managing to maintain shaky control of Yehuda and Shomron, fighting off Hamas’ growing influence, one that represents an increasing Islamic fundamentalist platform.

Fatah emerged with 25 seats and Hamas 19, retaking control from Hamas which emerged victorious in last year’s election.

The win on the other hand may be nothing more than symbolic, with Fatah well aware a union may be forming between the more radical elements, including the Popular Front, Hamas and Islamic Jihad, which may lead to renewed and increasing violence and thereby neutralizing the reality of the election.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)