A Talk With Prime Minister Fayyad

We are doing all of this. . . . But when we started doing this, it looked even more distant because the country was on fire and in a state of disintegration.

Because of Gaza?

The Gaza situation could have spilled over into the West Bank. There was a lot of violence also taking place in the West Bank in the immediate aftermath of Gaza.

Is Hamas still strong in the West Bank?

I wouldn't say that they are very strong, but I wouldn't say that they have no strength either.

How is Palestinian security performing on the West Bank?

Our security performance has improved markedly.

Is the Israeli security working with your security? Is there . . . cooperation?

It's been dead for a long time, to tell you the truth. New realities emerged after spring of 2002, in which the Israelis pretty much assumed authority [for] security in all areas of the West Bank, including areas which were designated PA areas. Israel was not about to give this up. What do you do? Israel says it is taking care of security but it's doing so from its point of view. . . . I asked them what do you think happened to security conditions in the West Bank during the time period when you assumed the authority of the Palestinian Authority? A state of lawlessness has emerged. There was a progressive deterioration in law and order in the West Bank and a state of chaos has actually emerged. How can there be a state of security unless the security is for Palestinians and Israelis alike?

Does chaos exist today?

It's much better. Looking at this situation, I knew we had to assert our physical presence. But the Israelis would not agree to that. I was the one who really wanted to deploy. I really did not hesitate and I do not think it was a mistake and I will do it again.

It worked?