A Jerusalem Post editorial expresses cautious optimism that tomorrow’s Palestinian election will help bring the Palestinian Authority closer to democratization.
However, optimism and Mideast politics tend to go together about as well as oil and water. The telling part of that editorial is the following paragraph:
It’s unfortunate that Abbas chose the low road on the campaign trail, and so far has not prepared his people for the painful compromises that they, too, will have to make on the road to a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
That’s quite an understatement, to say the least. For anyone still harbouring the delusion that Mahmoud Abbas is a “moderate”, see here and here, for starters.
I hate to rain on everyone’s parade, but Abbas is just a weaker Arafat. This campaign isn’t about who will finally show some real leadership and help the Palestinians achieve statehood and independence. It’s about who will work hardest to destroy Israel.
I’m glad Arafat’s gone. But my hopes for true Palestinian democracy and a real peace process are very slim.