Emergency management Essay Example for Free

Emergency management Essay The safety of child will always be my number one priority. I will always try my best to protect children in my care from hurting themselves, however, accidents do happen. My premises have been checked and they meet the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage in England. I also regularly review, update and practise my safety routines, including fire drills. As a registered childminder, I am legally required to have a valid first-aid certificate. I can administer basic first-aid treatment, and my first-aid box is clearly labelled and easily accessible. It is stored in my utility room. Parent contact numbers are with the first-aid box. †¢ I hold written permission from parents in Childs Record Folder to seek emergency treatment for their child if it is needed. †¢ All accidents will be recorded in an accident book. †¢ As a registered provider I must notify Ofsted of any serious accidents, illnesses or injuries or the death of any child whilst in my care and any action I may have taken within 14 days of an incident occurring. If I am in need of support or advice regarding a serious illness or incident involving a child in my care I may contact National Childminding Association who will log information regarding the incident with regard to their safeguarding policy. A NCMA designated officer will be assigned to my case and all the information given to them will be kept confidentially unless their appears to be a child protection issue which will be reported accordingly. If an accident or incident involving a child in my care may result in an insurance claim I will contact my public liability insurance provider to discuss my case and be allocated a claim number. This may involve discussing details of the child in my care with a third party. I also have an arrangement with another registered childminder to provide emergency back-up cover if necessary. In the event of an accident whilst child in my care: †¢ First, I will reassure the injured child while making sure that the other children in my care are safe. This may mean strapping a baby in a buggy or sitting an older child somewhere where I can see them. †¢ Then, if possible, I will deal with the accident. If not, I will ring 999 for help. †¢ If I have to accompany or take a child to hospital, I will either take the other children with me, or call my emergency back-up cover. This will be another registered childminder or known responsible adult. These people will be known to you (please see below) If there is an accident or emergency, my emergency back-up cover may contact you and you will be expected to collect your child straight away. If I manage to deal with the accident myself, then I will tell the affected child’s parents immediately. If I accompany or take a child to hospital, I will contact their parents and ask them to meet me at the hospital. If I have an accident, I will get the nearest responsible adult to help, while my emergency back-up people are being contacted. After every accident, however minor I will: †¢ Record in my accident book †¢ Ask you to sign the report and then provide you with a copy If the incident requires any medical treatment: †¢ Inform Ofsted within 14 days of an incident occurring †¢ Inform my Insurance †¢ Contact the NCMA for advice/support In the event of an accident in the Childs home: †¢ Parents must inform me on child arrival of any accident at home and record it in the back of the accident book. †¢ If I will see an evidence of injury on a child which has not occurred whilst in my care and has not been reported to me, parents will be asked for information on the incident and instructed to write in the accident book I will do my best at all times to make sure the children in my care are safe, reassured and kept calm. Emergency back-up cover |Back-up registered childminder |Known responsible adult I have read and understand the Accident and emergency policy. I give my permission for the named emergency back-up people to have my contact details for use in an emergency. I give permission for my child ________________________ to be taken to hospital and be given emergency treatment providing every effort has been made to contact me. |Childminder’s name | | |Childminder’s signature | | |Date | | |Parent(s)’ name | | |Parent(s)’ signature | | |Date | | | | | |Date policy was written | 27/07/2011 | |Date policy due for review | 27/07/2012 | Illness and emergencies policy I appreciate that as a working parent you need to be able to go to work, however if your child is unwell then they will be bettered cared for in their own home. It is my policy to keep children safe when they are in my care, promote good health and take necessary steps to prevent the spread of infection within my childcare setting: †¢ I will promote hand-washing in warm soapy water before eating or handling food and after using the toilet †¢ Each child will also have access to kitchen towel, which I will provide for each child under my care †¢ I will promote the use of tissues for children with coughs and minor colds †¢ All children in my setting who are excluded due to having an illness or an infectious disease such as a severe cold or stomach upset will not be allowed to return until they have been free from illness for 48 hours. This is in order to minimise the risk of the transmission of an infection to other children, myself or members of my family †¢ If a child arrives at my setting with a disease or illness I believe to be infectious or that poses a risk to the other children in the setting or myself I will expect the child not to attend my setting until they have been well for the recommended period of time (In accordance with the contract agreed with parents I expect to be paid for the child’s place even if they are excluded from my setting due to an illness or infectious disease) Children and babies can often become unwell with very little warning, if this happened whilst child in my care: †¢ I will contact you and expect you to pick up your child immediately and not return to the setting until your child well again †¢ If you cannot then an emergency contact will be called instead †¢ All parents are expected to provide emergency contact numbers other than their own in case they are unavailable to come and collect their child themselves I will inform the parents of the other children in my setting if there a child I care for has a diagnosed infectious disease If I, or one of the members of my family have a confirmed infectious disease, I will inform you as soon as I am able. (As I will not be able to offer my childminding service I will not charge you for the time the service is unavailable, as agreed with you in our contract) I am happy to care for a child with common coughs and colds providing they can join in with a normal day and do not need medication I will not accept a child with a high temperature as this is usually the first sign of illness and a very high temperature can sometimes lead to convulsions (Please do not bring your child if they are obviously ill as I will refuse care. Remember that I will not be able to give your child the extra atten tion that they need whilst care for other children.) I will ensure Ofsted is notified of any serious accident, illness or injury to any child whilst in my care, and the action taken in respect of it. Notification must be made as soon as is reasonably practicable, but in any event within fourteen days of the incident occurring. If you knowingly bring your child when ill this is a breach of contract and trust and in serious cases could result in termination of our contract By signing this policy you are agree that you have read and adhere to Illness and emergencies policy. |Childminder’s name | | |Childminder’s signature | | |Date | | |Parent(s)’ name | | |Parent(s)’ signature | | |Date | | | | | |Date policy was written | 27/07/2011 | |Date policy due for renewal | 27/07/2012 | Behaviour policy Behaviour policy statement: I aim to offer a quality childcare service for children and parents. I recognise the need to set out reasonable and appropriate limits to help manage the behaviour of children in my care. †¢ By providing a happy, safe environment, the children in my care will be encouraged to develop social skills to help them be accepted and welcome in society as they grow up. †¢ I do not, and will not, administer physical or any other form of punishment with the intention of causing pain or discomfort, nor any kind of humiliating or hurtful treatment to any child in my care. †¢ I endorse positive discipline as a more effective way of setting boundaries for children. Behaviour Procedure: †¢ I keep up to date with behaviour management issues and relevant legislation by taking regular training from NCMA and Early Years Service and by reading relevant publications, such as Who Minds? †¢ I agree methods to manage children’s behaviour with parents before the placement starts. These are discussed with parents during initial visits before the contract is signed to ensure appropriate care can be provided. A copy of the house rules will be given to the parent to encourage positive behaviour. †¢ Wherever possible I try to meet parents’ requests for the care of their children according to their values and practices. Records of these requirements are agreed and kept attached to the child record forms. These records are revisited and updated during regular reviews with parents. †¢ I expect parents to inform me of any changes in the child’s home circumstances, care arrangements or any other change which may affect the child’s behaviour such as a new baby, parents’ separation, divorce, new partner or any bereavement. All information shared will be kept confidential unless there appears to be a child protection issue. †¢ I offer regular review meetings with parents to discuss their child’s care and any issues or concerns, preferably when the child is not present. If I do not share the same first language as the child’s parent, I will find a way of communicating effectively with them. This may include seeking guidance from the local early years team. †¢ I work together with parents to make sure there is consistency in the way the children are cared for. A consistent approach benefits the child’s welfare and helps ensure that the child is not confused. †¢ I will only physically intervene, and possibly restrain, a child to prevent an accident, such as a child running into the road, or to prevent an injury or damage. †¢ All significant incidents are recorded in an incident book and will be shared and discussed with the parents of the child concerned so that together we can work to resolve any behavioural issues. †¢ From time to time children will have difficulty learning to deal with their emotions and feelings and this is a normal part of child development. I will acknowledge these feelings and try to help children to find constructive solutions in liaison with their parents. †¢ Distracting and re-directing children’s activities are used as a way of discouraging unwanted behaviour. †¢ I encourage responsibility by talking to children about choices and their possible consequences. †¢ I aim to be firm and consistent so that children know and feel secure within the boundaries I set. †¢ I will respond positively to children who constantly seek att ention or are disruptive. †¢ I will help children maintain their self-esteem by showing I disapprove of their bad behaviour not the child themselves. I encourage appropriate behaviour by: †¢ Setting a good example, I aim to be a positive role model as children copy what they see. Children learn values and behaviour from adults. †¢ I readily praise, approve and reward wanted behaviour, such as sharing, to encourage it to be repeated. Using praise helps to show that I value the child and it helps to build their self esteem. †¢ I praise children to their parents and other people when they have behaved as expected. †¢ I try to be consistent when saying â€Å"no† and explain reasons why it is not appropriate and considered unwanted behaviour. †¢ My expectations are flexible and realistic and are adjusted to the age, level of understanding, maturity and stage of development of the child. †¢ I try to involving children in setting and agreeing house rules. Children are guided away from doing things which: †¢ Are dangerous or hurtful or offensive to someone else †¢ Are dangerous to the child †¢ Will make the child unwelcome or unacceptable to other people †¢ Damage other people’s property. By signing this policy you are agree that you have read and agree with my behaviour policy. |Childminder’s name | | |Childminder’s signature | | |Date | | |Parent(s)’ name | | |Parent(s)’ signature | | |Date | | | | | |Date policy was written | 27/07/2011 | |Date policy due for renewal | 27/07/2012 | Safeguarding policy Safeguarding policy statement: My first responsibility and priority is towards the children in my care. If I have any cause for concern I will report it, following the local Safeguarding Children Board procedures in England. I understand that child abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional, neglect or a mixture of these. I must notify Ofsted in England of any allegations of abuse, which are alleged to have taken place while the child is in my care. Procedure: †¢ I keep up to date with child protection issues and relevant legislation by taking regular training courses and by reading relevant publications. This helps me be aware of the signs of abuse or neglect and what to do if I have a concern. †¢ I have copies of, and am familiar with, the local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. Every six months I check that I have the latest version of the relevant procedures. †¢ I have a copy of the relevant booklets and guidance; I have read them and understand them. If I am concerned about a child’s welfare, I may contact the local authority, the NSPCC, the National Childminding Association (NCMA), or other relevant support services for advice, providing this does not affect confidentiality. Child protection concerns that could identify a particular child are kept confidential and only shared with people who need to know this information. Parents must notify me of any concerns they have about their child and any accidents, incidents or injuries affecting the child, which will be recorded. I work together with parents to make sure the care of their child is consistent. If I notice: †¢ significant changes in behaviour †¢ unexpected bruising or marks †¢ any comments made which give me cause for concern †¢ deterioration in general wellbeing which causes concern I will implement the local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) procedures in England, without delay to minimise any risk to the child. I will call the local social services’ duty desk and follow it up with a letter within 48 hours. I will keep a factual record of the concern and will ask the parents for an explanation, providing it would not put the child at risk. The national standards for registered childminders in England and Wales require me to let Ofsted know of any concerns that I have reported without delay. If a child tells me that they or another child is being abused, I will: †¢ Show that I have heard what they are saying, and that I take their allegations seriously †¢ Encourage the child to talk, but I will not prompt them or ask them leading questions. I will not interrupt when a child is recalling significant events and will not make a child repeat their account †¢ Explain what actions I must take, in a way that is appropriate to the age and understanding of the child †¢ Write down what I have been told using exact words where possible †¢ Make a note of the date, time, place and people who were present at the discussion †¢ Then report my concerns immediately to the duty social worker who has the experience and responsibility to make an assessment of the situation. If an allegation is made against me, I will report it to Ofsted and social services following the Safeguarding Children Board procedures in England. I will also contact NCMA’s safeguarding children service on for advice and support. In all instances I will record: †¢ Child’s full name and address †¢ Date and time of the record †¢ Factual details of the concern, for example bruising, what the child said, who was present †¢ Details of any previous concerns †¢ Details of any explanations from the parents †¢ Any action taken such as speaking to parents. It is not my responsibility to attempt to investigate the situation myself. By signing this policy you are agree that you have read and agree with my Safeguarding Policy |Childminder’s name | | |Childminder’s signature | | |Date | | |Parent(s)’ name | | |Parent(s)’ signature | | |Date | | | | | |Date policy was written | 27/07/2011 | |Date policy due for renewal | 27/07/2012 | Useful telephone numbers NCMA allegations and complaints service for anyone concerned about the welfare of a child 0845 880 0044 NCMA Safeguarding Children Service 0845 880 0044 NSPCC child protection helpline – 24-hour helpline for people worried about a child 0808 800 5000 Equal Opportunities Policy Equal opportunities statement: I always aim to offer a quality childcare. I give all children in my care the opportunity to reach their full potential. Sometimes this means adapting an activity to the child’s ability and stage of development, providing additional resources or giving one child more attention and support than others during a particular activity or routine. I value and respect the different racial origins, religions, cultures and languages in a multi-ethnic society valuing all children equally, and treating each with equal concern and without discrimination. All children in my care are given the opportunity to play with all the toys (subject to health and safety with children under 3 years of age). No toys are just for girls or just for boys. I try to ensure my toys reflect positive images of children and people from different cultures and with different abilities. I have toys and resources that challenge stereotypical ideas on what careers are open to men and women. Equal Opportunities procedure: No child in my care will be discriminated against in anyway, whether for their skin colour, culture, gender, ability or religion. I will challenge any remarks that I feel are inappropriate. I will make sure that I actively promote equality of opportunity and anti discriminatory practices for all children: †¢ I encourage the children in my care to learn more about their own culture and to find out about the culture and religions of other children. We do in this in a fun way through sharing books, colouring sheets, cooking and eating food from around the world and celebrating special festivals. I provide resources such as woks and chopsticks, dressing up clothes, crayons and pencils. †¢ I encourage the children to develop a healthy respect of each other’s differences and to value everyone as an individual. †¢ I encourage Parents to share with us any festivals, special occasions or artefacts, which may enhance the children’s learning and understanding. By signing this policy you are agree that you have read and agree with my Equal Opportunities Policy |Childminder’s name | | |Childminder’s signature | | |Date | | |Parent(s)’ name | | |Parent(s)’ signature | | |Date | | | | | |Date policy was written | 27/07/2011 | |Date policy due for renewal | 27/07/2012 | Emergency Evacuation Procedure In order to keep the children and myself safe I have developed the following procedure to evacuate my home in the event of an emergency. This may be as a result of a fire, flooding, gas leak etc. The children will regularly practice the evacuation procedure with me so they will not be alarmed in the event of the situation being real. Practices will be carried out on different days of the week to ensure all children practice and the details recorded in the evacuation log. †¢ Sound the alarm (this is a whistle) †¢ Evacuate the children using the safest and nearest exit available (Babies and toddlers will be carried to safety) †¢ Take: o Attendance Record for the day o Contact numbers o Mobile phone †¢ Assemble across the road from the house (at the end of the garden if leaving via the rear of the house) †¢ Contact the emergency services †¢ Comfort and reassure the children †¢ Arrange safe place for the children to stay until parents can collect them †¢ Follow the instructions of the Emergency Services †¢ Do not return to the building until the Emergency Services have declared it safe to do so Unexpected Closure of Childminding Service I will do my best to provide a service for the hours and times that I have been contracted to work however very occasionally it may be necessary to close my childminding service. This may be as a result of me being unwell and therefore unable to work. If I have a cough or a cold I will continue to work, however if my illness is contagious then I will not be able to work, until I know I can not pass on the infection to the children or their parents. I will try to provide as much notice as possible if I am unable to work. There may be other occasions when I am unable to provide a service, for example: †¢ Following emergency evacuation of my premises (see evacuation policy) †¢ Loss of power to my home †¢ Mains water turned off †¢ Heating broken †¢ Flooding †¢ Medical emergency for myself or a member of my immediate family †¢ Death within the family I will advise parents as soon as I can if I am unable to provide a service. I will work with parents where possible to find temporary emergency childcare from amongst local childminders. I will not charge you if I am unable to provide a service. Childminding Safety On Outings Policy When taking Children on Outings it is essential that proper planning is done to ensure the safety of all children involved. I obtain written parental permission for all routine and special outings. I inform parents of any planned special trips for example to the coast or a local farm. I ensure that I take with me everything I may need, emergency Contact cards for the children, First Aid Kit, Nappies and changing bag (if required) spare clothes, mobile phone, drinks and a healthy snack. I have developed plans on what to do in the event of an emergency. I carry a contact card for each child. I have also a card on me that explains that I am a registered Childminder. I will make sure to organise outings to fit in with the needs of the children, and ensure that I have the necessary equipment and resources to keep them safe. Olly’s house rules My workplace is also my family home and I would expect all adults and children that I welcome in my home to treat me, my family and my belongings with respect. I have a few house rules that all children will be taught and expected to follow whilst in my home. This is for the safety and well being of everyone. †¢ We keep our coats, shoes and belongings tidied away †¢ Adults/Children leave dirty or muddy shoes at the door †¢ We wash hands after going to the toilet/touching the animals/before and after eating †¢ We like eating our meals at the table †¢ We walk in the house (Running, jumping, throwing, fighting or wrestling we enjoy when we play outdoor) †¢ Older children not allowed pick up babies or toddlers †¢ We say please, thank you and sorry when needed †¢ We will be kind to each other and look after each other †¢ We play nicely with the toys †¢ Sharing is a good thing to do and good manners should be used at all times †¢ We all walking together hading hands when out and about †¢ And we remember to have fun!!! (

The Great Depression (1929-1939) Essay -- American History

â€Å"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself, nameless unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyses needed efforts to convert retreat into advance† (Parker, p. 236). This quote was made famous by the President of the United States Franklin D. Roosevelt for his campaign at the most difficult time period in the world. This unprecedented event for the world began in the United States on October 29th 1929, also known as â€Å"Black Tuesday†, when their economy fell into peril of complete economic collapse. What started out in the United States was soon felt all over the world as a depression began to affect the Western world. Jobs became scarce to the population, and nominal wages were at poverty levels unsupportive of a middle class lifestyle of luxury goods. The gap between the rich and poor were expanding while businesses defaulted and credit contracted as a consequence. The effects of the Great Depression were ubiquitous in terms of economic impact to the glo bal economies. What started in the U.S was soon felt all over the world: deflation and the impact of the Gold Standard, contraction of credit, high unemployment, protectionism and international trade. Overall, these effects of the Great Depression were evidence of the economic impact in the United States that globalized to the rest of the world. To being with, deflation is an effect of a monetary policy in which the prices of goods and services fall to make it less advantageous for business to continue operation. For example, according to author Charles Kindleberger of The World in Depression, 1929-1939, the annual percentage change in wholesale prices between 1929 and 1930 are as followed: â€Å"U.S -12.2%, France -6.7%, Japan -22.3%, Canada -16%, U.K -14.9%, Germany -10.8%, and... ...eologies around the beggar-thy-neighbour theory contracting all international trade. By and large, â€Å"in an increasingly interdependent world, no man in an island† (Esler, p. 613) Works Cited Esler, A. (2004). The Human Venture: From Prehistory to the Present. New Jersey: Pearson Education. Galenson, W., & Zellner, A. (1957). International Comparison of Unemployment. NBER. Ganzel, B. (2003). Bank Failures. Retrieved February 29, 2012, from Farming in the 1930s: http://www.livinghistoryfarm.org/farminginthe30s/money_08.html Kindlerberger, C. P. (1986). The World in Depression, 1929-1939. Los Angeles: University of California Press. Parker, S. (2008). The Great Crash: How the Stock Market Crash of 1929 Plunged the WOrld into Depression. Great Britain: Piatkus. Rothermund, D. (1996). The Global Impact of the Great Depression 1929-1939. New York: Routledge.

English Coursework †Crucible Essay

The Crucible’ is a play, based on a true event in American history. Written by Arthur Miller in 1953, The Crucible was set in the small Puritan village called Salem, Massachusetts in 1692. This town can be seen to be extremely oppressive, and a place in which people had no freedom or individuality.  Miller wrote the play during the period in which McCarthy’s anti-Communist campaign was at its height. Miller saw many parallels between this period and the ‘witch hunts’ in Salem, for example unsupported accusations, fear of individual difference, and people being encouraged to inform on their friends. Senator Joe McCarthy organized a twentieth-century version of ‘witch-hunting’. In the early 1950’s he exploited the US fears about Communism and managed to create a national campaign against Communists. As chairman of the House Un-American Activities Committee, McCarthy interrogated many witnesses and tried to make them inform on their friends. Anyone suspected of communist views was arrested for taking part in ‘Un-American Activities’. Between 1950 and 1954 McCarthy investigated and accused a wide range of famous people such as Walt Disney, John Lennon, and Marilyn Monroe. Even Miller was investigated as many of his plays were seen as an attack on capitalism. This was very similar to what happened in Salem in the 17th century. Salem can be seen as a corrupted society in which people were trapped by the strict rules of Puritanism. The accusations of witchcraft and dealing with the Devil in Salem were all started off by a group of girls who were caught chanting, dancing and conjuring spirits in the woods. Dancing and partying was forbidden at this time, due to the strict puritan rules. The forest was thought to be where the Devil ‘carried out his work’, which led people to believe that the girls were witches. This was a prime example of when people’s longing for individuality and or spiritual freedom was undermined by the rules within society. This can be compared to the anti-communists during the McCarthy years, in which people’s political freedom was undermined. Also in both situations the allegations lead to hysteria.  However, many people may argue that Salem is like any other society, even today, full of good and bad people, the exploited and the exploiters. The plot in the Crucible starts after the girls were found dancing and conjuring spirits in the woods, and there were already suspicions of witchcraft. After being accused of witchcraft the girls begin to accuse other people in the town in order to deflect the attention away from themselves. The court believes these accusations made by the girls, and many are named as witches, and are sentenced to death. This then leads to many hangings of innocent individuals, who would rather die than commit the sin of lying and having their names tarnished. John Proctor and Abigail Williams are two central characters in the play. Their secretive affair results in Abigail conjuring spirits, as she was obsessed with rekindling their relationship. However John rejected her, which led to her becoming even more desperate to be with him. Her desperate act led to a catalogue of events, resulting in the death of many innocent people. John is one of those suspected of witchcraft. When given the opportunity to confess, he does so. However after signing the confession, John suddenly changes his mind. He takes back his confessions as he realises that he could not live with a name associated with witchcraft, and would therefore rather die. This can be linked to the themes of integrity and courage. Both of these themes are explored throughout the play through many different characters. Another central theme within the play is envy, which is mainly shown through the character of Abigail Williams. Tyranny, purification, justice and bigotry are also key themes in the Crucible as they all contribute to the oppressive society in which the play is set. They also show how people at the time felt a deep religious need to cleanse the town of any association with the devil. This was due to fear and intolerance of any cultural or religious difference or spiritual freedom. All of the themes explored are linked to the individual as well as the society.

Understanding the Palestine Liberation Organization

Since its creation in 1964, the PLO has gone through several make-overs--from resistance organization to terrorist organization to quasi-occupying and governmental force (in Jordan and Lebanon) to close to irrelevance in the late 1990s in the Occupied Territories. What is it today and what power does it wield? The Palestine Liberation Organization was created on May 29, 1964, at a meeting of the Palestine National Congress in Jerusalem. The Congress meeting, the first in Jerusalem since the 1948 Arab-Israeli war, was held at the then-brand new Intercontinental Hotel. Its earliest leader was Ahmed Shukairy, a lawyer from Haifa. His leadership was quickly eclipsed by that of Yasser Arafat. Arab Duplicity in PLOs Creation The blueprint for the PLO was drawn by Arab states at an Arab League meeting in Cairo in January 1964. Arab states, especially Egypt, Syria, Jordan, and Iraq, were chiefly interested in channeling Palestinian nationalism in such a way that Palestinian refugees on their soil would not destabilize their regimes. The motive behind the creation of the PLO was therefore duplicitous from the start: Publicly, Arab nations averred solidarity with the Palestinian cause of reclaiming Israel. But strategically, the same nations, intent on keeping Palestinians on a short leash, funded and used the PLO as a means to control Palestinian militancy while using it for leverage in relations with the West and, in the 1980s and 1990s, with Israel. It wouldnt be until 1974 that the Arab League, meeting in Rabat, Morocco, officially recognized the PLO as the sole representative of the Palestinians. The PLO As a Resistance Organization When the 422 Palestinian delegates claiming to represent half a million refugees formed the PLO in Jerusalem in May 1964, they rejected any plans to resettle those refugees in host Arab nations and called for the elimination of Israel. They declared in an official comuniquà ©: Palestine is ours, ours, ours. We shall accept no substitute homeland. They also created the Palestine Liberation Army, or PLA, though its autonomy was always doubtful as it was part of the armies of Egypt, Jordan, and Syria. Again, those nations used the PLA both to control Palestinians and use Palestinian militants as leverage in their own proxy conflicts with Israel. The strategy was not successful. How Arafats PLO Came to Be The PLA conducted several attacks on Israel but never amounted to a major resistance organization. In 1967, in the Six Day War, Israel demolished the air forces of Egypt, Syria, and Jordan in a surprise, pre-emptive attack (following rising belligerence and threats from Egypts Gamal Abd el-Nasser) and took over the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and the Golan Heights. Arab leaders were discredited. So was the PLA. The PLO immediately began developing a more militant tenor under the leadership of Yasser Arafat and his Fatah organization. One of Arafats earliest moves was to amend the Palestine National Councils charter in July 1968. He rejected Arab meddling in the PLOs affairs. And he made the liberation of Palestine and the establishment of a secular, democratic state for Arabs and Jews the twin goal of the PLO. Democratic means, however, were not part of PLO tactics. The PLO immediately became more effective than Arabs intended, and more bloody. In 1970 it attempted a take-over of Jordan, which led to its expulsion from that country in a short, bloody war that came to be known as Black September. The 1970s: The PLOs Terrorist Decade The PLO, under the leadership of Arafat Also recast itself as an outright terrorist organization. Among its most spectacular operations was the September 1970 hijacking of three jets, which it then blew up after freeing passengers, in front of television cameras to punish the United States for its support of Israel. Another was the murder of eleven Israeli athletes and coaches and a German police officer during the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, Germany. Following its expulsion from Jordan, the PLO established itself as a state-within-a-state in Lebanon, where it turned its refugee camps into armed fortresses and training camps used Lebanon as a launching pad for attacks on Israel or Israeli interests abroad. Paradoxically, it was also at the 1974 and 1977 Palestine National Council meetings that the PLO began moderating its ultimate goal by setting its statehood sights on the West Bank and Gaza rather than the whole of Palestine. In the early 198s, the PLO began edging toward recognition of Israels right to exist. 1982: The End of the PLO in Lebanon Israel expelled the PLO from Lebanon in 1982 in the culmination of Israels invasion of Lebanon that June. The PLO established its headquarters in Tunis, Tunisia (which Israel bombed in October 1985, killing 60 people). By the late 1980s, the PLO was directing the first intifada in the Palestinian territories. In a speech to the Palestine National Council on Nov. 14, 1988, Arafat recognized Israels right to exist by symbolically declaring the independence of Palestine while endorsing United Nations Security Council 242--which calls for the withdrawal of Israeli troops to pre-1967 borders. Arafats declaration was an implicit endorsement of a two-state solution. The United States, led by a lame-duck Ronald Reagan at the time, and Israel, led by the hard-liner Yitzhak Shamir, scorned the declaration, and Arafat was himself discredited when he supported Saddam Hussein in the first Gulf War. The PLO, Oslo, and Hamas The PLO officially recognized Israel, and vice versa, as a result of the Oslo talks of 1993, which also established a framework for peace and a two-state solution. But Oslo never addressed two key issues: Israels illegal settlements in the Occupied Territories, and Palestinian refugees right of return. As Oslo failed, discrediting Arafat, a second Intifada exploded, this time led not by the PLO, but by a rising militant, Islamic organization: Hamas. Arafats power and prestige were further diminished by Israeli incursions into the West Bank and Gaza, including a siege of his own compound in the West Bank town of Ramallah. The PLOs fighters were to some extent incorporated into the Palestine Authoritys police force, while the authority itself took over diplomatic and administrative functions. Arafats death in 2004 and the Palestinian Authoritys decreasing influence over the Territories, compared with Hamas, further diminished the PLOs role as a significant player on the Palestinian scene.