Sunday September 26, 2010

I've Been Thinking:

The deadline ended today.

Israel had set a 10 month moratorium for building in the West Bank and now it is over. The Israeli government said that, for now, it will only build essential buildings .

Indeed, this morning, in a West Bank settlement a foundation was poured for a new kindergarten. In response, PA leader Abbas called for a meeting of Arab League foreign ministers.

Abbas cannot act on his own. He must have the support and backing of the Arab League. It was the Arab League that gave Abbas cover and insisted on his participation in direct talks with Israel. Having the Arab League make decisions provides Abbas with the security and power he lacks on his own.

Now the Arab League will decide on whether to continue talking under Israel's post-moratorium policy of limited West Bank building or to call the whole thing off.

The debate will focus on principle versus practical issues.

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