Avnery on Abbas

Sharp analysis from Uri Avnery on Mahmoud Abbas's swearing-in last weekend, illustrative comparisons between Abbas and Egypt's Sadat, and trenchant commentary on the challenges he will face as head of the Palestinian Authority. First and foremost, how should Abbas set out a strategy vis a vis Hamas? Excerpt follows:
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Anyone who says that Abu-Mazen is ready or able to start a civil war against Hamas does not know what he is talking about. Palestinian public opinion would not stand for it. Most Palestinians believe that without the armed struggle, Sharon would not be talking of withdrawing from Gaza. They are ready for a cease-fire in order to give Abu-Mazen a chance. But they do not want the liquidation of the fighting organizations, because it may be necessary to renew the armed struggle if Abu-Mazen can't convince the Americans and the Israelis to enable the Palestinians to realize their national aims.

In his dealings with Hamas, Abu-Mazen, like Arafat, will prefer a combination of negotiations, political pressure and mobilizing public opinion. He will have to convince the armed factions to accept the national strategy that is adopted by the leadership. In return, he will have to welcome Hamas into the political system, the PLO and the parliament.

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