Some Things Are Constants

One thing that is completely and utterly predictable in this world is that the Palestinians will never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity. Today, Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas announced that negotiations with Hamas to form a unity government are "back to zero". Hamas has reneged on whatever deal was in the works.

CAIRO, Egypt - Efforts to form a Palestinian government acceptable to the West have gone "back to zero," Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said Saturday, a day after Hamas said a coalition government that recognizes Israel is unacceptable.

The Islamic militant group has ruled alone since March, but this month agreed to share power with Abbas' moderate Fatah Party in hopes of ending a crippling international aid boycott of the Palestinian Authority.

The Hamas-Fatah coalition deal sidestepped recognition of Israel. Instead, it said the government would seek to establish a Palestinian state alongside Israel, which implies recognition. However, the U.S. and Israel demanded a clear commitment from Hamas on the subject, and Abbas was forced to revisit the issue.

At the United Nations on Thursday, Abbas indicated a national unity government would recognize the Jewish state. But Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh from the Islamic militant Hamas group declared the next day that he would not lead a coalition that recognizes Israel.

Abbas said Saturday during a visit to Cairo that "backtracking took place" on the negotiations for a unity government with Hamas.

"Backtracking" being Palestinian-speak for the usual treachery and backstabbing among the various terror factions in that hideously messed up culture. They have constantly ruined good chances to establish their own state with this behavior. They could have long ago been peaceful and prosperous. But then, some things are constant.

Other Links to this Post

1. The Real Ugly American.com » Blog Archive » Some Things Are Constants — Saturday, 23 September , 2006 @ 8:46 am