The Wisdom of Abbas

Captain Ed over at Captain’s Quarters is skeptical of the wisdom of Israel supplying arms to Fatah.

Instead of supplying anyone of any money or materiel, the world shouldjust cut off the Palestinians altogether until they develop leadershipinterested in peace.

This seems to be what is happening. Abbas is interested in peace but he can’t outpace his public without losing credibility and probably his life. He has to find the smallest steps that do not irretrievably alienate his constituents. This is why I liked the idea of the 10 year cease fire that was recently proposed. It would give the Palestinians an experience of peace, quiet and increasing quality of life. After 10 years they may like it too much to go back to survival.

It seems like Abbas is a wise moderate politician in a democracy, who understands that you cannot lead if no one will follow.