Abbas Fingers Country Most Responsible For Impeding Palestinian Unity--And It's Not Israel

Abbas accuses Iran of standing in the way of Palestinian unity. Who knew he had it in him?

Palestinian Authority leader says Iran is impeding efforts to reach a deal between Fatah and Hamas.

Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud ‘Abbas has blamed Iran for impeding reconciliation between his Fatah faction and its archrival Hamas.

“Iran doesn't want Hamas to sign the Cairo reconciliation document,” ‘Abbas said during a visit to Tunisia on Friday.

‘Abbas said Hamas objected to signing an Egyptian-brokered deal with Fatah because of opposition from Tehran, and argued that the Palestinians should be “free from Iranian tutelage.”

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast denied the accusations on Saturday, claiming Iran’s position regarding the Palestinian issue involved “unity and solidarity of Palestinian factions in face of the Zionist regime.”

It is unlikely that Abbas is going to get much of an argument from the Arab states, and some claim that is exactly why Abbas is speaking out:

Analysts have suggested the accusations might be an attempt by ‘Abbas to garner more support from Arab countries against Iran and Hamas.

Sunni Arab countries are anxious over the prospect of Iran becoming a regional nuclear power in the Middle East as Tehran continues to defy international demands to abandon its nuclear program. Regional powers, including Egypt, are concerned Iran is gaining political clout, which might tip the local balance of power.

So why is it again that the Obama administration is treading so softly when it comes to Iran?
Israel doesn't like it.
The Arabs don't like it.
Even the Palestinian Authority doesn't like.

So who does like Obama's soft diplomacy with Iran?
Iran.
Syria.
Hizbollah.
Hamas.

'Nuff said.

Technorati Tag: Iran.