Abbas will not run in Palestinian Authority, blames U.S.

November 8, 9:49 AMNY Israel Conflict ExaminerRichard Shulman

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A.P. photo/ Gregorio Borgia

Both the New York Times and the Wall St. Journal carried the story of Palestinian Authority (P.A.) head Abbas saying he won’t run for office, again.  They were aware that he’s made such statements before, for leverage.  This time, he left himself opportunities to keep office anyway. 

They stated the reason he gave as if necessarily true, that the U.S. is biased in favor of Israel because it accepted and praised Israel’s unprecedented major building freeze that Abbas wanted to be a total building freeze in the Territories and eastern Jerusalem  (11/6).

Politicians give reasons for effect.  There may be other, more potent reasons.  Abbas had painted himself into a corner by suddenly raising this new pre-condition for negotiation, that Israel won’t accept in totality.  Abbas thought that because Obama agreed with the demand, he would get Netanyahu to accede to it 100%.  His threat to quit may have been made in the hope of getting more U.S. pressure on Israel, because the U.S. has pretended that Abbas is the only thing standing in the way of a takeover and he is the only one who would make peace.  His various demands and policy statements, however, preclude peace and even reserve the right to make war.

The Administration thought that a 90% concession just to start negotiation sufficed.  That does not make them biased toward Israel.  Rather, the Administration wants a deal signed that would be biased against Israel, but which the Administration would pretend to be peacemaking.

I don’t think peace is coming this generation.  If I did, I would be indignant at Abbas for delaying negotiation by making unwarranted demands that might, themselves, be the subject of negotiation.  Indeed, making last-minute demands is a tactic the Arabs have done, before.  Making further demands after an agreement was reached, is another.

For the Israeli position on negotiations, click here