Abbas on track to succeed Arafat

Mahmoud Abbas, who was briefly Prime Minister of the Palestinian people before resigning in a power struggle with the deceased Yassar Arafat, was named President of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) yesterday.

There were immediate reactions among the more radical Palestinians similar to the following:

Story Link: " 'We don't want the government of Allawi,' said Yousef Sha'an, 26, likening Mr. Abbas to the U.S.-backed Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi. 'This is what the Americans and Israelis want. Whatever Israel wants is not the will of Palestinians.' "

If Abbas is able to maintain control over the PLO and become President, there may be a chance for peace. But Hamas, Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations within the West Bank and Gaza Strip are likely to undermine Abbas' leadership among a people indoctrinated in terror.

Abbas will come to the table. Hopefully the table will not be taken away with trouble among his people.