|
Trending Topics
|
Source: https://www.commentary.org/seth-mandel/the-lazy-fantasy-of-a-palestinian-mandela/
The Lazy Fantasy of a "Palestinian Mandela"
(Commentary) Seth Mandel - Hamas' latest negotiating ploy is to ask for Israel to release Marwan Barghouti, a popular Fatah leader who is serving five life sentences for murder. Barghouti is often compared by the press and his Western admirers to Nelson Mandela, because his admirers have very active imaginations. The belief is that he has become popular enough to lead the Palestinian Authority after Mahmoud Abbas, who is still alive and refuses to hold elections and therefore cannot be replaced by the Palestinian Mandela. What freeing Barghouti would accomplish is the further destabilization of the Palestinian Authority-ruled West Bank. Hamas thinks this is a great idea. Freeing a murderer to steer a sinking ship isn't going to save anyone. Forget Barghouti.