Despite the serious threat of a vote of no confidence that lead the former Palestinian cabinet to resign on September 11, 2002, Yasser Arafat still unveiled a new cabinet with barely any new faces. At first, it seems a surprise that the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) approved this cabinet, however, a second glance would reveal that such a result was imminent given the political developments on the ground. Of particular significance is Fatah's desire to affirm Arafat's presidency following Israel's siege and destruction of his compound, a move that was aimed at humiliating the Palestinian leader, and U.S. efforts to sideline him. The misguided notion that a vote of no confidence is in essence a vote for Sharon means that Palestinians once again face a cabinet incapable of delivering a hopeful future.

The new cabinet, trimmed down from 21 to 19 members, was ratified by a 56-18 vote, but remained clouded with controversy as reform-minded legislators voiced their objections that the new cabinet is composed of the old line up. The most prominent of the five new members is Hani al-Hassan, a senior member of Fatah and a political adviser to Arafat, who replaced Abdel Razak Yehiyeh as the new interior minister and has the daunting task of reforming the security forces following immense U.S. and international pressure. The other new four members are Zuheir al-Sourani, justice minister, Ahmad al-Shibi, health minister, HishamAbdel-Razek, minister of prisoner affairs and Samir Ghosheh, minister of Jerusalem affairs. The new cabinet is intended to serve only until the January 20, 2003, elections.

This seemingly victorious moment for Arafat was very timely as he was struggling to maintain his credibility. However, the overwhelming approval he received coupled with the boost to his flagging popularity following the siege means that reformists have dropped their demand for him to share power and that he was successful in evading the biggest threat to his authority since he returned from exile in 1994. Thinking that the votes were cast because of sincere confidence in the new cabinet though would be a misconception, as the real motive was simply political in nature. Fatah, which holds the majority of seats in the PLC, did not want to appear divided and was forced to grant its approval, especially since the organization's central council had endorsed the new cabinet. Moreover, it wanted to assert that both Arafat and the Palestinian Authority are still in control. However, it is a wonder why this assertion could not go hand in hand with serious reforms capable of taking on the numerous challenges confronting Palestinians.

The dangerous phase Palestinians are living in requires a real change in the functioning of the cabinet on all levels. There is a pressing need to close ranks internally, build more institutions, guarantee the sovereignty of law and democracy, and improve the political decision-making process in order to face external intervention and the Israeli military onslaught. After all, a better and more democratic government can empower the Palestinian people as well as President Arafat to fight for independence from the Israeli occupation and legitimately refuse the dictates of the Bush administration with regards our internal affairs. The hope is that the new cabinet will make every effort to properly represent Palestinian aspirations and concerns, by continuing to embark on sweeping reforms necessary for the survival of Palestinian society.