“Well, hang on a second.” Hamas suddenly “serious” about coalition talks
After cutting Palestinian President Abbas’ legs out from under him by categorically refusing to participate in a government that would recognize Israel, Abbas admitted to the international community that his attempts to set up a unity government were “back to zero.” By that he meant that there was no agreement at all – not even a framework – and that those of us waiting for the Palestinians to show they have some small capacity for reasoned self-government had better brew up another pot of coffee to sit back with. In other words, it’s gonna be a while.
Apparently, someone reminded Hamas Prime Minister Haniyeh that this was exactly the issue that got so many foreign powers to put a hold on any further aid coming to them. The effects of that hold have been felt, big time, by the Palestinians and Hamas suddenly released a statement today in an effort to reassure those foreign powers that progress would be made. Hamas wants everyone to know that they’re serious about getting that whole coalition government thing up and running.
Haniyeh released a statement on the talks after Abbas warned his efforts to set up a Palestinian government acceptable to the West were “back to zero.” The key dispute is over whether a coalition of Hamas and Abbas’ Fatah movement would recognize Israel.
The Islamic militant Hamas currently rules alone, but says it’s ready to share power with Fatah in order to end a crippling international aid boycott.
Abbas was headed to the Palestinian territories Sunday after attending the U.N. General Assembly in New York. He was expected to meet with the Hamas premier in Gaza on Monday or Tuesday.
“We are going to resume talks on the formation of a national coalition government,” Haniyeh said Sunday. “We have serious intentions to make it succeed, and we hope that the talks will resume soon.”
We know what they say about the road to Hell and good intentions, don’t we? Enough talk, Haniyeh. Get your butts to the table and show that this isn’t just more of the same old Palestinian Delay Shuffle.
