  By MARK LAVIE, Associated Press Writer JERUSALEM - Israel will allow Palestinian police to resume carry weapons, security officials said Thursday, a significant step toward shoring up the prestige of Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qureia.
As part of a reform program, Qureia decided to deploy blue-uniformed police on the streets of Palestinian cities and towns. However, for the last three years, Israel has not allowed Palestinians to carry arms in public. The Israeli officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Palestinian Civil Affairs Minister Jamil Tarifi met with a senior Israeli official this week and put forward the request.
Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz said Israel would agree, but it would require presentation of a list of those who are to receive weapons and would have to approve each one individually. Control of Palestinian streets has been taken by armed gangs and militant groups in the absence of Palestinian police. Israel banned the police in 2001, charging that they were involved in violence. -- Yeah...that's a great idea...let's give the guns back to the terrorists and have them kill more Israelis...what a bad plan.
We all know why Israel is doing this, but I think this is really stupid. I can see why the "Palestinian" police would need guns, but the police are part of the problem...many of them are part of these terror groups. How do you quantify each one? Give them an interview or something to fine out whether or not he is capable to doing his job correctly? Andrew B. 
