Israel Matzav

Why Abu Mazen will say no? O-b-a-m-a

Khaled Abu Toameh writes that 'moderate' 'Palestinian' President Mahmoud Abbas Abu Mazen will say no to John Kerry's 'framework agreement' because he has no fear of US President Hussein Obama.

The Palestinians also do not take Obama seriously, especially in light of his failure in dealing with the crises in the Arab world and Ukraine.

Abbas believes that he can say no to Obama because the U.S. Administration will not take any retaliatory measures against the Palestinian Authority.

Palestinian officials in Ramallah pointed out the threats by the U.S. Administration to impose financial sanctions if Abbas sought unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state at the United Nations two years ago.

"President Abbas feels satisfied with the comprehensive campaign of boycotting Israel in the academic and economic fields," explained Palestinian political analyst Hani Habib. "This means that the international public opinion is today supportive of the Palestinian position."

Arab political support and anti-Israel boycott campaigns around the world have emboldened Abbas to a point where he feels that there is no need for him to make any concessions for the sake of peace.

What could go wrong?

Labels: Abu Mazen, Barack Hussein Obama, Middle East peace process, Palestinian state

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 9:14 PM