In its public statements, the Syrian government has long supported the Palestinian cause. In reality, the Assads sought to stymie the PLO, whose famous leader, Yasser Arafat, never trusted Damascus.

US academic Jonathan Gribetz asks why Palestinian nationalists in Lebanon set up a research centre on Zionism, why it was important, what fate had in store for it, and what lessons can be drawn

Al Majalla obtains exclusive minutes detailing PLO official Faruq al-Qaddumi's account of Arafat's final days and why he believes the Palestinian leader was assassinated

On 5 September 1972, a murky Palestinian militant group with alleged links to Fatah carried out an unconventional operation against Israeli athletes. Could Hamas take a page out of the same playbook?

The Palestinians need and deserve unity, a clear vision, and a feasible long-term strategy. Instead they have rival leaderships both convinced that they are right and the other is wrong.

How the curtain finally came down on PLO presence in Lebanon

The PLO chairman now knows that he must leave Lebanon as his fighters are surrounded by the Israelis. The Syrian president is no friend, but agrees to take them in.

With an eye on the Lebanese presidency, the Phalange commander and sworn enemy of Syria sends secret messages of 'reassurance' to al-Assad. Meanwhile, Damascus refuses to host PLO fighters.

US envoy Phillip Habib proposes a plan to facilitate the PLO's exit from Beirut. Meanwhile, the Phalange party vows to end Lebanon's 'three occupations'.

Al Majalla begins its five-part series revealing never-before-shared details of Israel's 1982 siege of Beirut and exchanges between Hafez al-Assad and Yasser Arafat