(New York Times) - The Middle East peace plan, known as the road map, may be on the verge of collapse. The refusal of radical Palestinian groups - and Yasser Arafat - to abandon terror remains the biggest obstacle. Europe has failed to cut off Hamas funds from Islamic charities there. When its foreign ministers gather Friday in Italy, they should agree to do so. The Arab states need to support Mr. Abbas's efforts to get all Palestinian security services under his unified command and away from Mr. Arafat. Finally, Mr. Abbas can no longer shirk the responsibility that lies on his shoulders. Regardless of whether he gets the help he deserves from outsiders, he must take on terror groups, dismantling them and arresting their leaders. Walking out will serve no one, especially his fellow Palestinians.
2003-09-05 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive