Friday, October 15, 2010

Abbas Admits Palestinian Arab Intransigence is Behind Continued Conflict

According to the article Abbas: We'll never sign deal demanding recognition of Israel as Jewish state published in Haaretz:

Abbas clarified that the PA would exhibit flexibility regarding the nature of the negotiations, but added that they would not negotiate on issues the Palestinian people consider principal matters.

"If we showed flexibility on these issues the peace agreement would have been signed a long time ago," Abbas said.

This goes beyond Abbas' oft-repeated insistence he would never compromise on any of his outrageous demands on the core issues; it's an admission there would have been peace a long time ago if the Arabs weren't totally intransigent.

Obviously, all the pressure exerted on Israel to make concessions only reinforces that intransigence which makes peace impossible. Intelligent policy would put pressure where it belongs, on the Arabs, including the Palestinian Arabs, and make them pay an increasing price for perpetuating war.

No comments: