(Commentary) Jonathan S. Tobin - The assumption of the essential moderation of the Palestinian Authority and its leader Mahmoud Abbas is one that can only be maintained by ignoring virtually everything the PA does and says. The latest examples are the statements by Abbas and his aide Jibril Rajoub in which they praised the kidnapping of Gilad Shalit by Hamas. Abbas told an interviewer the crime was a "good thing," while Rajoub saluted all those involved with Shalit's abduction. While Palestinian leaders portray themselves as moderate peace seekers to the West, the official Palestinian media run by Abbas and his government is a font of incitement against Israel and Jews. Abbas' goal of international recognition for Palestinian statehood without first making peace with Israel is based on his unwillingness to recognize the legitimacy of a Jewish state no matter where its borders are drawn.
2011-11-04 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive