The Intifada, the PlO, and the Middle East peace process, 1987-1993
This thesis presents a qualitative theoretical analysis of the variables leading to the 13 September 1993 signing of the Declaration of Principles between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization. The global and regional implications of the end of the Cold War and the demise of the Soviet Union, the Second Gulf War, and developments in the occupied territories culminating in the Intifada are examined. The end of the Cold War meant the end of superpower patronage and unlimited military support for radical regimes such as Syria and non-state actors such as the PLO. The Second Gulf War further eroded the position of the PLO, while propelling Syria into a leadership role in the ensuing peace negotiations begun at the Madrid Conference. A weakened PLO led to the dominance of Hamas in the occupied territories. The result of these forces was the 1993 peace agreement between Israel and the PLO.
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