|
Trending Topics
|
Source: http://www.washingtontimes.com/upi-breaking/20050112-115557-4369r.htm
What Abbas's Victory Means
(UPI/Washington Times) Barry Rubin - Even on his own terms, Abbas is an ideologue. The demand that any acceptable peace agreement permit all Palestinian refugees and their descendants to live in Israel is very close to his heart. Such an outcome, of course, is designed to destroy Israel. It is a sign that the Palestinian leadership is not ready for real peace with Israel, whatever the rhetoric directed to the West. Thus, there are serious problems with Abbas's views, though they also represent some progress. A consensus probably exists among Palestinians to say they will stop incitement, accept a cease-fire, and negotiate for a smooth turnover of Gaza, but there are important reasons to believe that they cannot or will not implement such promises. Unfortunately, what is most likely to happen is that Abbas will be a moderate front man for the hardliners in Fatah. He will say the right things and then demand Western help and Israeli concessions.