PLO issues weapons ban
Topic: Israel/Palestine
Is this for real? It seems as though Mahmoud Abbas is actually trying to move forward in making peace with Israel. Amazing. But there are a few things to consider.
While Abbas had been campaigning I recall him promising to incorporate the militant organizations into a national military. One reason was to make it look to Israel as though he might be able to control them, rather than disbanding them. He also did this to appease the militants who where skeptical of the overtures he had been making towards Israel. So, does this order for civilians to give up their weapons include the militant organizations Hamas and Islamic Jihad? I doubt it does.
I've seen one blogger complain that Abbas is trying to consolidate power by taking away weapons from the people. First of all, he WAS elected by the people. Second, so what? If consolidating power means peace with Israel, I'm all for it. I realize peace isn't always a good thing (as in tyrants and dictators) but just how much power over the militant organizations do you think Abbas has?
As a result of the recent regional elections in the West Bank 65% of the council seats are now controlled by Hamas. Abbas' party Fatah only controls 30%. Perhaps this will serve as a balance to prevent Abbas from becoming to power hungry. Hamas are the type that would pull out of the government at a moments notice if they aren't happy with things. Although, with the amount of progress already made, I'm willing to give Abbas the benefit of the doubt.
Israel seems to be playing it safe. They haven't issued a formal cease-fire, but are willing to talk peace and will reward quiet from the militants with the same. They've even thrown in a nice incentive:
I am nervous to get too hopeful, but for the first time in a while things are starting to look up.
The Palestinian leadership banned civilians on Thursday from carrying weapons, its latest step aimed at reining in militant violence, as the Palestinian leader said he was awaiting Israel’s response on a proposal for a mutual cease-fire declaration.
If enforced, the ban on weapons would be a strong move against militant groups, whose gunmen often openly brandish their automatic weapons in the streets of Gaza and the West Bank — reflecting the lack of control by the Palestinian security forces.
The Chechen Times
Is this for real? It seems as though Mahmoud Abbas is actually trying to move forward in making peace with Israel. Amazing. But there are a few things to consider.
While Abbas had been campaigning I recall him promising to incorporate the militant organizations into a national military. One reason was to make it look to Israel as though he might be able to control them, rather than disbanding them. He also did this to appease the militants who where skeptical of the overtures he had been making towards Israel. So, does this order for civilians to give up their weapons include the militant organizations Hamas and Islamic Jihad? I doubt it does.
I've seen one blogger complain that Abbas is trying to consolidate power by taking away weapons from the people. First of all, he WAS elected by the people. Second, so what? If consolidating power means peace with Israel, I'm all for it. I realize peace isn't always a good thing (as in tyrants and dictators) but just how much power over the militant organizations do you think Abbas has?
As a result of the recent regional elections in the West Bank 65% of the council seats are now controlled by Hamas. Abbas' party Fatah only controls 30%. Perhaps this will serve as a balance to prevent Abbas from becoming to power hungry. Hamas are the type that would pull out of the government at a moments notice if they aren't happy with things. Although, with the amount of progress already made, I'm willing to give Abbas the benefit of the doubt.
Israel seems to be playing it safe. They haven't issued a formal cease-fire, but are willing to talk peace and will reward quiet from the militants with the same. They've even thrown in a nice incentive:
Israel also promised in the meeting to release hundreds of prisoners — a key Palestinian demand — and that the number to be freed is expected to be about 900, a senior official said on condition of anonymity.
I am nervous to get too hopeful, but for the first time in a while things are starting to look up.
posted by Jonathan at 1/28/2005 01:58:00 PM
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