Sunday January 16, 2005

I've Been Thinking:

It really is a fools game.

The US and the Israelis want the new Palestinian leadership to clamp down on the terrorists.
The new Palestinian leader, Abu Mazen, wants to come to a negotiated settlement with the terrorist organizations creating a ceasefire.

Abu Mazen fears a civil war -- Palestinian fighting Palestinian.
What he does not understand is that for Arafat infighting was his goal and glory - he relished the infighting, keeping Palestinians at one another's throat. Discord was his style.

Abu Mazen needs to create order and safety.
He knows that he's not Arafat, he doesn't have the power, charisma or cachet - he must in some way crack down or the terrorists will run wild over his society and his power will be totally diminished.

Abu Mazen believes that he will save face with everyone especially the violent terrorists by conducting negotiations - but he is mistaken.
Instead, he will be seen by everyone as weak and perceived as lacking the power and position to clamp down later.

Abu Mazen will self destruct due to his inability, paralysis, foolhardy myopia, to act promptly.
Now's when it counts. Later is too late.