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Source: http://www.csmonitor.com/2003/0702/p01s02-usfp.html
The Subtle Campaign to Bolster Abbas
(Christian Science Monitor) The White House is increasing its efforts to try to help a person it considers indispensable to Middle East peace: Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas. Of necessity it's a subtle campaign, as Mr. Abbas would lose support at home if he's judged to be too close to Washington. On Monday Secretary Powell appeared on five different television morning shows, and on each he took time to give at least one Abbas plug. In the wake of the Israeli pullout from Gaza, "we hope that...the Palestinian people will realize that Prime Minister Abbas is producing for them and thereby they will empower him even further," said Secretary Powell. "Producing" is the key word. Washington hopes that ordinary Palestinians will become convinced that there are real gains to be made in a peaceful environment.