On Jan. 1, 1965, a military communique was issued in Kuwait announcing the first armed Palestinian operation against Israel stemming from south Lebanon. The cross-border armed operation marked the launch of the Fatah Palestinian National Liberation Movement. As the movement celebrates its golden anniversary next week amid intensive preparations for its seventh congress, its leaders will be considering how to tackle countless challenges.

These internal and external challenges include:

Succession — In its 50 years of work, Fatah has known two main leaders: Yasser Arafat and Mahmoud Abbas. Abbas, at the age of 79, appears to be in good health, but has made it clear that he plans to step down soon. It is unclear whether his public declarations that he has no plans to run for president also include not running for leader of the movement. In the sixth congress held in Bethlehem in August 2009, he won his position by acclamation without competition. The seventh congress might renew confidence in him, but the key votes for the top positions in the 20-member Central Committee and the 100-member Revolutionary Council will signal the personnel and political direction of the movement for years to come.

Policies — The political challenges facing Palestinians after 47 years of occupation and 20 years of failed negotiations will weigh heavily on Fatah as it turns 50. Which direction should it take in terms of the most effective mechanism for liberation? Should it depend more on negotiations, on resistance activities, or a healthy mix of both? Courageous self-criticism will be expected before any votes are cast. Fatah will need to explain and justify its policies, mistakes and failures, and accountability must be practiced. If no one is held accountable for the failures of executing an effective liberation strategy, the prospect of a rejuvenated movement will be slim.