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[Ha'aretz] Jonathan Spyer - In a curious reversal of normal scientific practice, the failed experiment of the 1990s peace process is now being performed again. The "Annapolis process" is based on the expectation that Fatah will play the role of the pro-Western, pro-stability element among the Palestinians. The facts indicate, however, that for both structural and ideological reasons, it is neither able nor willing to play this role. When Israel commenced a negotiating process with Fatah in the 1990s, it assumed that Fatah had accepted that its goal of the destruction of Israel was for the moment impracticable. The hope was that, as the movement was drawn into the practical, day-to-day affairs of governing, its view would be replaced by a sober, practical outlook. When that didn't happen, the consequence was the bloody years of 2000-2004. Since then, change has been mainly in a negative direction - with those elements in Fatah opposed to political realism being strengthened. Today, influential elements within Fatah openly reject the possibility of a two-state solution. These include up-and-coming leaders in the West Bank - such as Ziad Abu Ein. Analysts are also noting the increasing prevalence of Islamic theological motifs in the symbols used by armed Fatah factions. Such Fatah-associated forces as the Abu Rish Brigades in Gaza and the Brigades of the Return now openly speak the language of political Islam. The writer is a senior research fellow at the Global Research in International Affairs (GLORIA) Center at the Interdisciplinary Center, Herzliya.
2008-03-28 01:00:00
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