(AP-Washington Post) Josef Federman - Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's downfall appears to have nudged Israel and the Palestinians toward some common ground: Neither side seems to think now is the time for brave moves toward peace. Mubarak's downfall has robbed Israel of a key ally and raised concerns that the radical Muslim Brotherhood could play a role in a future Egyptian government. At a time of such great uncertainty, Israeli officials are highly reluctant to turn over full control of territory on their doorstep to Abbas, a man they view as well-intentioned but weak. Just as Abbas' forces lost control of Gaza to Hamas, Israelis fear the same thing could happen in the West Bank, putting a hostile group just a few miles from the country's largest cities.
2011-02-15 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive