Abbas Is Only A Moderate In English--Not In Arabic, Where It Counts

Efraim Karsh explains why we consistently see that in the peace talks, Abbas is Not taking yes for an answer

While the Englishlanguage announcement of the PLO’s decision sets “the emergence of an independent, democratic and viable Palestinian state living side by side in peace and security with Israel” as the outcome of the negotiations, the Arabic-language version makes no mention of the two-state solution. Instead it notes the Palestinian readiness to resume the final-status talks, adding a few new preconditions, notably the rejection of Israel’s annexation of east Jerusalem.

And just there, no doubt, lies the heart of the problem.


For while the PLO leadership, since the launch of the Oslo “peace” process in 1993, has been singing the praises of the two-state solution whenever addressing Israeli or Western audiences, it has consistently denigrated the idea to its own constituents, depicting the process as a transient arrangement required by the needs of the moment that would inexorably lead to the long-cherished goal of Israel’s demise.

In this respect there has been no fundamental distinction between Yasser Arafat and Abbas (and, for that matter, between Hamas and the PLO). For all their admittedly sharp differences in personality and political style, the two are warp and woof of the same dogmatic PLO fabric: Neither of them accepts Israel’s right to exist; both are committed to its eventual destruction.

Read the whole thing.

It's not as if there is no one in the State Department who can translate Abbas's speech's to his people into English. Instead, they have a fervent wish for Hope and Change that far predates the Obama administration. Some practical considerations and much vaunted "realism" would make for a welcome change.

Technorati Tag: Abbas and Two State Solution.