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Abbas's Bluff in the Struggle for Power

(Jerusalem Post) Khaled Abu Toameh - Mahmoud Abbas's decision to resign from Fatah's central committee and his threat to quit as PA prime minister are seen by many Palestinians as a bluff designed to put pressure on Arafat and Israel. Abbas has resigned or threatened to resign many times in the past. Earlier this year, he resorted to the same tactic during five weeks of wrangling with Arafat over the composition of the new cabinet. Abbas knows that Arafat can't afford to let him resign, because that would invite more pressure on him and portray him as someone who is hindering the process of reform and reconciliation. On the other hand, Abbas knows that the U.S. and Israel need him to ensure the success of the road map and the cease-fire. The crisis is a symptom of the power struggle between Abbas and Arafat, who has never come to terms with the fact he is being coerced into sharing power.
2003-07-10 00:00:00
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