(Ha'aretz) Aluf Benn - Since the fall of Mahmoud Abbas's cabinet, President George Bush has lost interest in the political process and motivation. Envoy John Wolf, whose posting in Jerusalem clearly signaled the promoting of the road map, has not returned from home leave. American officials speak of the Palestinians with disappointment and despair. A senior American official said Wednesday: "We kept telling them to unite the security forces and enforce one law with one army. If they had, the attack would not have happened, and if it had, there would have been an accountable party. In the present situation, the only one above everyone is Arafat." The main implication of the attack will be a weakening in the calls to post international forces or American inspectors in the territories. In the present situation, the PA cannot ensure the safety of American diplomats in its territory and it is doubtful that Washington will want to take additional risks.
2003-10-16 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive