The Iranian-backed Islamic jihad has been wracked by the worst crisis in its 25-year history, Middle East Newsline reported Wednesday. Palestinian sources said the crisis in the "holy war" stems from a leadership reshuffle ordered by Iran. The sources said the resulting infighting has been exacerbated by a shortage of money for operatives and supporters.
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The crisis has led to the resignation of the spiritual leader of Jihad, Sheik Abdullah Shami. The 50-year-old resigned from the group's consultative council in protest of a decision to usurp his authority. "I have decided to resign quietly from the movement in bitterness and pain with hope that the movement will overcome its internal failure," Shami said in his resignation letter. |