Wednesday October 26, 2005

I've Been Thinking:

As soon as Muhamad Abbas returned to Gaza from his trip to Washington, he left again. This time he went to Cairo and then to Amman. The Palestinian leader felt it imperative to report to Hosni Mubarak and Jordanian King Abdullah on his meeting.

Why? Why the rush? Why the debriefing?

There are several important reasons why.

Egypt and Jordan have established normalized relations with Israel.
Egypt and Jordan both border Israel.
Egypt and Jordan have very good relations with the United States.
Egypt and Jordan are the leaders of the more liberal Arab flank.
Egypt and Jordan wield tremendous influence inside the Palestinian population.

Mubarak and Abdullah are the best advisers Abbas has on issues concerning terror control and contacts with the United States.

It was important enough for Abbas to personally visit, not call, not send an emissary. After nearly a week away from home in Washington, Abbas took two more days to be with colleagues and mentors.

The visits point out clearly the inner workings in this part of the Arab Middle East.