ABSTRACT
Actual assaults and additional developments related to the international infrastructure of Palestinian terrorism were accompanied by a considerable measure of ambiguity as to the concrete backdrop of incidents and the organizational affiliation of those involved in attacks. In 1987 Abu Nidal promised to halt terrorist activity in the international arena for a period of ten months, as part of a new strategy aimed at positioning himself closer to the mainstream of the Palestinian national movement and leadership. In 1989 the rapprochement between the US and the USSR led to discussions and an official agreement on cooperation in combatting terrorism. As Syria's and Libya's self-imposed restrictions on direct involvement in international terrorism have increased during 1988-89, Palestinian ties with Iran have tightened. The renunciation of terrorism not only had its diplomatic benefits; it also, according to People's Liberation Organization spokesmen, involved actual attempts to foil other Palestinian groups' activities in the international arena.
