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Source: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,542-1441002,00.html
Facing Down Violence
(Times-UK) Editorial - The three Palestinian gunmen who attacked the main cargo crossing point between Israel and Gaza on Thursday night killed six Israelis and tried also to destroy any hopes of future peace. The challenge cannot go unchallenged. If Mr. Abbas is to have any authority or credibility, he must not only respond forcefully to the militant groups determined to undermine him but must adopt a tone and posture that mark a decisive break with the evasions, deceptions, and double-dealings of his predecessor. Israel will not be satisfied with words of regret, even if more forcefully expressed. It wants, rightly, to see the kind of crackdown on militant groups that Arafat never seriously attempted. Mr. Abbas must tell the Palestinians some home truths. Violence leads only to retaliation, closure of crossing points, and further hardship. If he is to lead a new era with Israel, he must begin with an uncompromising exercise of steely authority - starting now.