There’s turmoil in the Palestinian territories. Okay, so that’s an understatement. The world is screaming for everyone to support Fatah so they can fight Hamas.
But Fatah isn’t so great. They’re corrupt and weak. They show no desire to make any progress, and while Abbas screams that he wants peace with Israel, he isn’t willing to give an inch towards that goal. For him, it’s all or nothing and if it doesn’t happen, he can blame the other side.
Although he gives the illusion of being a moderate, he’s basically whatever it is that will keep him in office. He gives chameleons a bad name. And things aren’t going to change any time soon, especially with the situation in Gaza as it is. He won't do anything to dismantle Hamas or anything else that gets in the way of peace because he is easily bullied.
If there was a ray of hope; if there was someone waiting in the wings to offer a better solution, the political system quashes any bright spot of an alternative. There isn’t any room for newcomers in Fatah, and new and inventive ideas are not welcome there. It’s not about the people - it’s about staying in power.
Everyone knows Abbas is pretty useless. He’s not going to get anything done. But at this point, there isn’t any choice. The Palestinians don’t have a Barak Obama who can come out of nowhere and offer some sort of fresh idea. If there is some kind of Palestinian equivalent, he is, as we speak, being silenced by the political machine he is forced to be a part of. None of these old guys are going to give up their cushy situation for the sake of peace. After all, there are some things more important.
So, we’re stuck. And the only people that aren’t affected are the ones already in power. And we go on with Olmert because we’re not given a choice. And we go on with the scandals of the Israeli government and the non-dismantled settlements because that’s the way they like it.
Wait a minute…did I say Olmert and the Israeli government?! I meant Abbas and the Palestinian government!
I mean…wait…hang on…now I’m confused. I must be looking at some kind of weird mirror or something. Really. I meant the Palestinians.
I think.
I’m going to lie down. I’m getting a little dizzy.
Submitted by Charley
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