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Source: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,251-2197779,00.html
Leader in Last-Chance Saloon Risks Big Gamble
(Times-UK) Richard Beeston - Abbas' shock proposal to hold a referendum on creating a Palestinian state is a desperate gamble to save his weakened position. Declaring statehood in this manner would be popular with Palestinians, and opinion polls suggest that the plan would win 80% support. If Hamas was forced to honor that decision by popular mandate, it would de facto recognize Israel's right to exist. It would also endorse a "two-state solution" to the Arab-Israeli conflict and probably open the way to lifting the U.S.-led financial embargo against the Palestinian Authority. If rival Palestinian movements can build a unity government, recognize Israel's existence, and restore credibility to Abbas' leadership, the whole political landscape in the region will change. That is a big "if." "This is a high-risk strategy for Abbas," said a Western diplomat. "If it fails, that's it for him."