ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the manifestation of persistent dynamic in the conflict that took place in the occupied territories between two modes of resistance, based on the notions of steadfastness and popular mobilization respectively. It suggests that the demise of the strategy of steadfastness, premised on a “survivalist” ideology, took place not as a result of doctrinal shortcomings in that ideology, but because it was challenged on the ground by forces which saw the existing institutions of Palestinian nationalism as elitist and nepotistic. During the 1960s and early 1970s the dynamic was resolved almost overwhelmingly in favor of the liberationist strategy of the main guerrilla contingents of the Palestinian movement. The declining tempo of street warfare and the temporary eclipse of the Palestinian issue from the international agenda during the Gulf crisis will doubtless compel the leadership of the Palestinian uprising to make a difficult choice between two alternative visions.
