Guardian Utd (Saturday): Abbas offers Hamas deal to end violence

[Jack Rabbit]

From the Guardian Unlimited (UK)
Dated Saturday January 22

Abbas offers Hamas deal to end violence
By Chris McGreal in Gaza City

The new Palestinian leader, Mahmoud Abbas, has presented Hamas and its allies with proposals to end their war on Israel in return for international guarantees of a ceasefire, a political role in the Palestinian government and a commitment not to surrender the claim on east Jerusalem and other territory in any peace negotiations.
Mr Abbas presented his plan at talks in Gaza City this week aimed at securing an end to Palestinian violence as a means of putting pressure on Ariel Sharon, the Israeli prime minister, to return to negotiations.

Yesterday, Palestinian security forces began deploying along Gaza's border to stop rocket attacks on Israel in a largely symbolic show of Mr Abbas's commitment to end the violence. But his primary efforts are being put into a political agreement to turn Hamas and Islamic Jihad away from armed resistance.

The Islamist groups, which suspended rocket attacks while talks continue, are expected to respond to the proposals this weekend ahead of an international tour by Mr Abbas to seek backing for his plan.

Read more.

[King Mongo]

1. Abbas can't guarantee Israel's withdrawal

Everything sounds nice and dandy except for the fact that Abbas cannot guarantee that Israel will accept the green line. In fact, it's quite obvious that Israel will not accept the green line. Thus, this deal will either be rejected by the Hamas or the Hamas will be cheated by Israel.

In my opinion, a deal like this would work if Israel had already removed the illegal settlements and was killing Hamas members with occasional attacks from behind the green line. But, since Israel is still expanding towards the dead sea, groups like the Hamas are going to continue using violence.

[Jack Rabbit]

2. It's more complicated than that

Abbas cannot assure Israel that the militants won't go back on any pledge they makes to him. With what stick is he going to beat them if they do?

True, it would make it a lot easier for everybody if the settlements were dismantled. However, as several like to point out, many militants have a broader idea of what is "occupied territory" than you or I do. It is, in fact, exactly what some settlers consider "Israel".

In the end, there can be no peace if there is no trust. Sharon seems to expect a demiltarized Palestinian state than has no capability of making war on Israel. Unfortunately, such a state will not be able to control militants, either.

Whether we like it or not, a two-state solution means two states capable of going to war against each other, but don't because they have better things to do.

[King Mongo]

3. Agreed

Abbas cannot assure Israel that the militants will not use violence.

As Ernst Ludwig Ehrlich stated, with all certainty, there will be more terrorist attacks in the future regardless of who organizes it or finances it. That's why one should focus on finding and helping those Palestinians who are against such activities, such as Abbas. Abbas needs all the support that he can get.

I wish you could read this article. It's very well written.


Wer bestimmt über den Frieden? (Who determines peace?)

Tachles
The Jewish weekly magazine
http://www.tachles.ch/artikel.php?id_art=1659