Friday February 11, 2005

I've Been Thinking:

Palestinian President Abbas is putting his foot down.
He is firing his own security chiefs for failing to stop acts of terror.

This move is extremely important.
It is another major step forward towards maintaining the ceasefire.
It positions Abbas as a leader whose actions speak as loudly as his words.
It will force the Palestinian street to debate the Hamas vs Abbas option, to decide if they want continued violence or a resolution of the conflict.
It means Abbas is no longer on the tightrope, he has decided to confront terror from within.
It means that Abbas realizes that the terror will destroy his society if it is not stopped.

This is best considered as another step in the right direction.
Now, he must follow through, we must follow up.

It is a good sign, but celebration is premature.