The Palestinian Election

[pazza]

Surprised that there has been no mention made of this on here yet, but Abbas has emerged the clear victor in the Palestinian Election.

Is the peace process back on track?

 

[GuruJane]

Surprised that there has been no mention made of this on here yet, but Abbas has emerged the clear victor in the Palestinian Election.

Is the peace process back on track?

Ho, ho. Deafening silence from the Usual Suspects.

 

[jim boy]

Actually the palestinian election is of fairly minor significance in terms of the peace process. Since Arafat's demise, it's was always going to be Abbas who was going to lead.

Of far greater significance, and this is really what should be talked about, are the changes in the Israeli government.

 

[GuruJane]

Actually the palestinian election is of fairly minor significance in terms of the peace process. Since Arafat's demise, it's was always going to be Abbas who was going to lead.

Of far greater significance, and this is really what should be talked about, are the changes in the Israeli government.

Obviously you haven't read Dennis Ross's book yet otherwise you would know how HUGELY significant Abbas' election is to the progress of the peace process.

 

[jim boy]

Obviously you haven't read Dennis Ross's book yet otherwise you would know how HUGELY significant Abbas' election is to the progress of the peace process.

I haven't spotted it yet. I'm not arguing that the move to Abbas isn't a huge change (despite the continued intifada), its just that the election was a one horse race and abbas was already in control. There was nothing contentious at all, unlike the structural change that took place at the same time in the Israeli leadership.

 

[Seb]

Obviously you haven't read Dennis Ross's book yet otherwise you would know how HUGELY significant Abbas' election is to the progress of the peace process.

It is a step, but he is still in a rather precarious position. He has the arduous job of trying to convince Plaestinian militants to stop trying to kill Israeli civilians and soldiers, plus he also has to get Israel to stop barging into Palestinian streets with tanks and arresting militants.

The establishment of a fully independent State, complete with its own controlled borders will not come easily.

But, as i said, i suppose it is a step in the right direction.

 

[GuruJane]

I haven't spotted it yet. I'm not arguing that the move to Abbas isn't a huge change (despite the continued intifada), its just that the election was a one horse race and abbas was already in control. There was nothing contentious at all, unlike the structural change that took place at the same time in the Israeli leadership.

But obviously there were concerted efforts made to dissuade Barghouti from running from jail. The fact that these succeeded (there may have been a behind the scenes trade off for Barghouti here eg eventual early release from gaol) that gave Abbas no real opposition in the end.

The Ross book reveals the close,extensive and frequent behind the scenes contacts that exist between the Israeli Govt and PLA and have been going on since the Oslo negotiations started, even between Arafat and senior Israeli echelon. !!! Eye opener.

 

[- PC -]

The Ross book reveals the close,extensive and frequent behind the scenes contacts that exist between the Israeli Govt and PLA and have been going on since the Oslo negotiations started, even between Arafat and senior Israeli echelon. !!! Eye opener.

Why is it such an eye opener? For someone schooled in international politics jane that statement of yours leaves me stunned. It goes on more than you think.

 

[jim boy]

Well the status quo hasn't taken long to re-establish itself. Israeli incursions, suicide bombigng and the ubiquitous isolation of the palestinian leadership by the Israelis. Reading the article in the Guardian http://www.guardian.co.uk/israel/Story/0,2763,1390951,00.html it's hard to see how the change of leadership has made any difference at all.

 

[demon_dave]

Ho, ho. Deafening silence from the Usual Suspects.

pseud, nothing has been said for the simple fact it won't make any difference to the peace process, NOTHING, they will still be blowing each other up in 10-20 years time, probably 3 leaders later

 

[GuruJane]

Well the status quo hasn't taken long to re-establish itself. Israeli incursions, suicide bombigng and the ubiquitous isolation of the palestinian leadership by the Israelis. Reading the article in the Guardian http://www.guardian.co.uk/israel/Story/0,2763,1390951,00.html it's hard to see how the change of leadership has made any difference at all.

You might remember that Hamas did exactly the same thing within a day or so of the RoadMap being declared, that is killed Israeli soldiers at a Gaza checkpoint in a well planned ambush.

The significant quote from the Guardians article is:

But one Israeli government source insisted that Mr Sharon had not given up on Mr Abbas, who is also known as Abu Mazen. "What happened on Thursday night was terrible, but not unexpected," the source said. "If it had happened while Arafat was around there might have been quite a different response. We have a lot of faith in Abu Mazen and he will be judged by what happens in the weeks and months ahead."

That's what the difference will be ... the Israeli response.

Of course whether the outcome will be any different remains to be seen!

 

[GuruJane]

Why is it such an eye opener? For someone schooled in international politics jane that statement of yours leaves me stunned. It goes on more than you think.

You are aware of the close, day to day, behind the scenes relationships between Abbas and Quiera and other senior PLA people and the top echelon of the Israelis?

Wish you'd told us all before, would have saved a lot of arguments on this board!

 

[Bombers 2003]

Jane.
Again i see Sharon CANT accept a democratic decision of the Paleastinians and is again trying to prevent the new president from attempting to end so called "palestinian terrorism'.

 

[GuruJane]

Jane.
Again i see Sharon CANT accept a democratic decision of the Paleastinians and is again trying to prevent the new president from attempting to end so called "palestinian terrorism'.

Don't get you? How is he "trying to prevent" ????

 

[Bombers 2003]

Don't get you? How is he "trying to prevent" ????

Closing down palestinian towns and sending troops to operate in Gaza in an effort to disrupt palestinian government and life in the towns.