Saturday September 4, 2010

I've Been Thinking:

In a scan of Arabic and Parsi (Iranian) press I deciphered an overwhelming tone of frustration with Abbas regarding the direct peace talks with Israel.

The Iranians have said, in short, "who are you Abbas to negotiate?" And they described those Arab leaders who were present at the event as outright traitors.

The overall tone of the Arabic press suggests that Abbas is too weak at this time to negotiate and he will only capitulate to the US and the Israelis.

The noted and very public exception was the Egyptian press. They took offense. They have cancelled the diplomatic visit of the Iranian foreign minister who was to travel this week to Egypt. That is serious fallout.

Egypt and Iran are at one another's throats. The Arab League has given their blessing, saying give peace a chance.
There will be flack. There will be much more to come.

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