In response to Israeli and US demands for reforms, Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas fired two top security chiefs who were widely seen as corrupt--Musa Arafat, commander of the National Security Force, and Amin al-Hindi, the head of intelligence. They have held their positions since the establishment of the Palestinian Authority 10 years ago. The two generals were so furious over their dismissal that they threatened a mutiny against Abbas. Fearing civil war, Abbas backed down and decided to decorate the officers with the Jerusalem Medal—the highest military honor bestowed by the PLO. Palestinian analysts say Abbas is weak and will probably fall from power this year.