Annapolis - should we hold our breath?

[admin]

It's a terrible idea to exclude Hamas. No doubt, there's a lot going against Annapolis. But I still harbor some vague hopes that something positive can come out of it despite all odds...

[Violet Crumble]

Without Hamas at the table the whole excersice is futile.
The ISM should be requested to broker a `truce`or hudna.

I agree that Hamas needs to be included, and they should be invited even if they do turn down the invitation. I don't think it's the only reason why there's an air of futility to the whole thing, though. The current US administration will ensure the whole thing is a massive flop where the only thing that comes out of it is photo-ops and probably a dressing down of the Palestinians for not doing enough to pursue peace. It's telling that Taba is the one that got the Israelis and Palestinians closest to agreement when it came to negotiations and that was one where there was no US 'mediation' involved...

As for brokering a hudna, what's the point? Israel rejected a truce called by Hamas and in the first few days of it carried out targetted assassinations of Hamas members. The argument then that a cease-fire just gives Hamas time to rearm doesn't wash for me, as Israel itself used ceasefires in the past (most notably during the 1948 war) to rearm.

[Progressive Muslim]

What's the point of holding a peace conference when Palestine hasn't resolved it's internal strife? So Fatah can receive assistance to finish its attempt to wipe out Hamas militarily?

I am BAFFLED by the silence of Palestinian intellectual and leaders on this.

If someone can point me to internal discussion (in english), I'd be glad to see it.

[ellenr]

wow!- I'm watching CNN International and the broadcaster is interviewing the US State Dept spokesman on the Mid-East-
I have to say she really tried to pin him, she asked at least 3 times, "How do you have a conference and not invite Hammas?"

Each time of course he didn't answer the question, just offered up some dim prepared pablum. She finally had to give up.
But good for her.
The last time she said, "But you're having a conference and you're only talking to the people who already agree with you."

you go!


ellen

[Joek420]

Hi Judywalk,

In response to your question about internal debate amongst Palestinians, here is some positive news. I hope it's legit and they run a serious well funded campaign to break the deadlock the two rival parties currently hold. I personally would like to see Dr Mustafa Barghouti take part in this initiative. Somehow have his Palestinian People's Party join the with efforts mentioned in the article and have him on the ticket. I think he is a serious candidate with sensible ideas - and while he is considered a "leftist", his views on solving the P/I conflict don't stray to the left or the right - or can be classified as anything but rational and on target. I know Zionists don't like him for the simple fact he seems to be above being corrupted. Anyway, I hope this answers your question.


Palestinian billionaire launches movement to rival Fatah, Hamas
By The Associated Press
Tags: Fatah, Palestinians, Hamas

Hundreds of Palestinian business people and professionals, led by an influential billionaire, launched a new political movement Thursday, reflecting growing disillusionment with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah party.

Fatah dominated Palestinian politics for decades, but failed to reform or clean up its corrupt image, even after a painful loss to Hamas in parliament elections nearly two years ago.

Billionaire businessman Munib al-Masri, 73, inaugurated his Palestine Forum with meetings in Ramallah and Gaza, linked by video conference. Supporters said he would convert the new group into a political party and field candidates in the next Palestinian election. No date for an election has been set.
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Fatah and Hamas have been locked in a bitter struggle since the 2006 election swept Fatah from power. In June, Hamas forces overran Gaza, prompting Abbas to dismiss the Hamas-led government and appoint his own, which, in effect, rules only the West Bank.

Recent polls have shown that about a third of the people have no faith in either party. Al-Masri said he plans to step into that breech, emphasizing the economy, education and welfare programs for the needy as well as reuniting the West Bank and Gaza.

"My concern about the fate of my people has driven me to form a national democratic body that cares about people," al-Masri told The Associated Press. "The situation is very difficult, the national cause is deteriorating and people are frustrated."

The U.S.-educated al-Masri runs an investment company that controls the
telecommunications sector, and has holdings in industry, agriculture, tourism and in banks. His leadership appeals to the West Bank's elite and middle class, trying to protest their investments and businesses in a chaotic political situation.

Since Abbas formed his new government, the West has resumed aid to his regime, but the situation remains critical, with overall unemployment of about 30 percent and more than half the people under the poverty line.

At the same time, Israel sealed the borders of Hamas-ruled Gaza, deepening poverty there. Hamas, which rejects the existence of Israel, is listed as a terror group by Israel, Europe and the United States. Fatah favors peace with Israel.

The 2006 election reflected frustration with Fatah for corruption, nepotism and ineffective rule as much as support for Hamas. Members of the Palestine Forum said if Fatah does not reform itself, the new group is poised to replace it.

Palestinian public opinion expert Jamil Rabah said "that is a distinct possibility. The people are closer to Fatah, supporting a peaceful solution to the conflict with Israel, so if Fatah doesn't reform itself, people would see the Forum as an alternative.

[Joek420]

Hi Judywalk,

In response to your question about internal debate amongst Palestinians, here is some positive news. I hope it's legit and they run a serious well funded campaign to break the deadlock the two rival parties currently hold. I personally would like to see Dr Mustafa Barghouti take part in this initiative. Somehow have his Palestinian People's Party join the with efforts mentioned in the article and have him on the ticket. I think he is a serious candidate with sensible ideas - and while he is considered a "leftist", his views on solving the P/I conflict don't stray to the left or the right - or can be classified as anything but rational and on target. I know Zionists don't like him for the simple fact he seems to be above being corrupted. Anyway, I hope this answers your question.


Palestinian billionaire launches movement to rival Fatah, Hamas
By The Associated Press
Tags: Fatah, Palestinians, Hamas

Hundreds of Palestinian business people and professionals, led by an influential billionaire, launched a new political movement Thursday, reflecting growing disillusionment with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah party.

Fatah dominated Palestinian politics for decades, but failed to reform or clean up its corrupt image, even after a painful loss to Hamas in parliament elections nearly two years ago.

Billionaire businessman Munib al-Masri, 73, inaugurated his Palestine Forum with meetings in Ramallah and Gaza, linked by video conference. Supporters said he would convert the new group into a political party and field candidates in the next Palestinian election. No date for an election has been set.
Advertisement
Fatah and Hamas have been locked in a bitter struggle since the 2006 election swept Fatah from power. In June, Hamas forces overran Gaza, prompting Abbas to dismiss the Hamas-led government and appoint his own, which, in effect, rules only the West Bank.

Recent polls have shown that about a third of the people have no faith in either party. Al-Masri said he plans to step into that breech, emphasizing the economy, education and welfare programs for the needy as well as reuniting the West Bank and Gaza.

"My concern about the fate of my people has driven me to form a national democratic body that cares about people," al-Masri told The Associated Press. "The situation is very difficult, the national cause is deteriorating and people are frustrated."

The U.S.-educated al-Masri runs an investment company that controls the
telecommunications sector, and has holdings in industry, agriculture, tourism and in banks. His leadership appeals to the West Bank's elite and middle class, trying to protest their investments and businesses in a chaotic political situation.

Since Abbas formed his new government, the West has resumed aid to his regime, but the situation remains critical, with overall unemployment of about 30 percent and more than half the people under the poverty line.

At the same time, Israel sealed the borders of Hamas-ruled Gaza, deepening poverty there. Hamas, which rejects the existence of Israel, is listed as a terror group by Israel, Europe and the United States. Fatah favors peace with Israel.

The 2006 election reflected frustration with Fatah for corruption, nepotism and ineffective rule as much as support for Hamas. Members of the Palestine Forum said if Fatah does not reform itself, the new group is poised to replace it.

Palestinian public opinion expert Jamil Rabah said "that is a distinct possibility. The people are closer to Fatah, supporting a peaceful solution to the conflict with Israel, so if Fatah doesn't reform itself, people would see the Forum as an alternative.

[Progressive Muslim]

Joe, are you at all worried about Munib's "billionaire" status? Who became billionaires during the last decade? The most corrupt members of Fatah are the only ones I know about.

I like Barghouti too, but am mystified by his silence during this current debacle. Where is the criticism? Where is the voice of common sense?

Not a single word on the MIFTAH website condemning this nonsense!

[Joek420]

oe, are you at all worried about Munib's "billionaire" status? Who became billionaires during the last decade? The most corrupt members of Fatah are the only ones I know about.

No, I'm not worried although I can't say I know enough about the guy. I read he made his money working in telecom sector - investing and such. I also know he was close to Arafat and yes Fatah too - and yes we all know that bunch is corrupt beyond any hope but we have to wait and see what transpires with this effort to create a movement away from the two party stranglehold. Keep in mind, in America and other parts of the world there is a two party monopoly - in some cases a one party monopoly. This is not an issue that is going to go away - even assuming we have our state and everything is as we want it. We all know in America corruption ( lobbying contributions and earmarking) is probably as worse as any place on the planet but it's all "legal". Read about the corruption in Israel, which not a day passes without a news report of somebody getting indicted.

We can aspire for utopia but we have to be realistic and deal with the cards we are dealt with. If this guy wants to put his money into an effort to break the impasse, I'm all for it. The system needs to be shaken and it's obvious it;s not going to be happen from within.

As for the silence of Barghouti and others, I can't say I have read up enough to provide an informed answer. I don't know what MIFTA or other organizations have been saying - maybe the fact they haven't been saying much explains why I don't know where they stand - but as for Barghouti, he has always been critical of the corruption in Fatah.

My guess is, many organizations and leaders are staying on the sideline out of political expediency. They don't know who is going to win this battle between Fatah and Hamas. They don't want to be critical of one or the other for fear one day they will have to deal with either one. If Hamas takes over the West Bank, which is not outside the realm of possibility although highly unlikely, they don't want to have to deal with them being on the wrong side of the divide.


That's my guess but I will read up on it to see where those you mentioned stand. We know they talk about "unity" but not sure if any - outside of a few Fatah old guards who have spoken out against Abbas - where they stand. Again, my guess is, they all know Fatah is worthless but they also know America has given it's stamp approval - which in translation means the gravy train can continue and for many, that seems to be good enough. FOr many others, American stamp of approval and support is a death nail.

We will see this clear out after this upcoming summit. Many are waiting to see what Abbas can bring home, if anything. They want to see the goods and this is why I worry violence will erupt soon once the smoke is cleared, Abbas comes home empty handed - once again!

[Progressive Muslim]

My concern is the core corruption.

Back in the mid-90's when Arafat came from Tunis, and all the economic arrangements were being made, it was clear that "contracts" were being sold to the highest bidders. One company got the rights to import cement, and the like. Those leaders were more interested in filling their pockets than with building something sustainable.

Who was involved in that? Arafat, Khalid Salam, Fayyad, Dahlan, etc. I think those guys are the biggest crooks of all, and my concern is that this billionaire was part of the gang.

I can't support Fatah until the core corruption is accounted for. Fatah has shown itself time and again to be primarily worried about itself as a party rather than building a country.

[Joek420]

Judy, I can't say I blame you for being skeptical. I share your concerns. Fatah after Arafat, if you can believe it, plunged deeper into corruption. A bigger concern is their collaboration with the enemy.

On that note, gotta run.

Take care.

[tom_joad]

Without Hamas at the table the whole excersice (sic) is futile.
The ISM should be requested to broker a `truce`or hudna.

First, whoever posted this, it is *not* the tom joad associated with the website www.tomjoad.org

That would be me.

Second, i find it very odd that you think that the ISM should be involved in brokering anything. It would not want any such position.

More than anything, I believe what is missing from the table is international law or human rights. As long as the whole process is dominated by the U.S., it is unlikely any good can come of it.