Abbas Says He Won't Confront Palestinian Militants
Gaza (Reuters)
GAZA (Reuters) - Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas said in a presidential campaign speech Monday he would never take up arms against militant groups whose dismantlement is part of a U.S.-sponsored peace "road map."
"They are freedom fighters ... and should live a dignified and safe life," said Abbas, whose call for an end to violence in a 4-year-old Palestinian uprising has been rejected by militants whose support he is courting in the Jan. 9 election.
This little ditty is the final pin in the balloon, deflating the world's hopes for an Israeli/Palestinian peace agreement. I've ranted and raved to the three people that read this stuff... LOL... about peace being unachievable unless the new Palestinian leader could control Hamas. If you can't root out the terrorists in your own country, you cannot promise peace to Israel.
Abbas has been talking a good game for at least a year, urging negotiations instead of violence. His moderate stance seems to agree with most Palestinians, if his perceived lead in the election is correct.
But, as we know in this country, talking and doing are two different animals.
Even Colin Powell admits on MTP Sunday that Israeli response to peace will depend upon what extent Abbas will go to control the Palestinian terrorists. And that may require taking up arms against the violent elements in his country.
Powell said if elected, Abbas may have to work harder to separate himself from radical Islamic elements.
"We need reformed Palestinian leadership that deals with this terrorist threat. Mr. Abbas said he hopes to persuade them, but that may not be enough. The challenge may be greater than that. He may have to undertake operations against them," Powell said.
It the statement above is the plan, strict enforcement and cracking down on Hamas militants isn't in the cards. The words are peppered with emphasis by recent pictures of the happy butchers hoisting Abbas to their shoulders
It goes without saying that anyone running for election in Palestine shouldn't be advertising a strategy of armed conflict with Hamas in advance if he wants to live to election day. Then again, he also shouldn't be promising no enforcement of their activities either.
If the words said and pictures painted are Abbas' true platform, any possible chances of negotiated peace are sure to fly out the door.
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