OPINION TIMES HAS MOVED. OUR NEW ADDRESS IS www.OpinionTimes.com

Google
WWW Opinion Times

Friday, November 12, 2004

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.