Engaging Abbas Now Will Raise the Odds for Peace ; the New Palestinian Leader Is Unproven, but Waiting for Proof Would Be Unwise.

Portland Press Herald › January 11, 2005

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Summary

The decisive victory by Mahmoud Abbas in Sunday's voting settles only one of many important questions about the Palestinian leader. Still, it would be a mistake for the United States and Israel to sit back and wait for more answers.

Capturing nearly two-thirds of the vote in a race for president of Palestinian Authority, Abbas has shown he can muster popular support among his people. What's still not clear is whether he can gain control over Palestinian security forces. Not known, as well, is whether radical elements within Palestinian society will try to disrupt attempts at a settlement with Israel. Finally, despite signaling a desire for peace, it's not known how far Abbas himself is willing to go to achieve a final peace agreement.

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Extract

Engaging Abbas Now Will Raise the Odds for Peace ; the New Palestinian Leader Is Unproven, but Waiting for Proof Would Be Unwise.

For American and Israeli leaders, these uncertainties can easily become an excuse to wait ...

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