(Hudson Institute New York) Khaled Abu Toameh - The leaders of the Palestinian Authority have reached the conclusion that, under the current circumstances, it would be a waste of time to return to the negotiating table with Israel. They are convinced that the only way to get anything is by rallying pressure from the international community against Israel. It is for this reason that representatives of the Palestinians have been negotiating with the Europeans and Americans about the peace process - not with Israel. They believe that Israel is more isolated than ever in the international arena, particularly in light of the UN's Gaza War report, the "Goldstone Report." The Palestinian leadership has chosen to confront Israel in the international arena, and not at the negotiating table. Yet by negotiating with Abbas and his government, Western governments are, in fact, keeping the Palestinians from resuming peace talks with Israel.
2009-12-31 09:17:58Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive