AsiaTimes/ here
"I want to work with Netanyahu," proclaimed Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas on Monday, quoted by the Jerusalem Post. "Try me," he said, noting his hopes that the Arab League would back his plan to resume proximity talks on May 1. "I say on behalf of the Palestinian Liberation Organization, that we are prepared for an agreement." He emphasized Netanyahu was "chosen by the Israeli people and elected by the Knesset [parliament]," and because of that it was his "duty to work with him".
This spectacular change of tone on the part of the man who, exactly a month ago, ruled out any form of negotiations without a settlement freeze, came on the heels of massive pressure from the American administration and an invitation for him to pay the White House an official visit next month. Talks, albeit indirect in format initially, are scheduled to restart in mid-May.
There are three main explanations of this unexpected behavior, and they all likely contribute in varying degrees to the developments. Perhaps, in a manner characteristic of Middle Eastern bargaining, Abbas has been bluffing all along with his obstinacy, and ..... Maybe he is feeling pressure from his Prime Minister Salam Fayyad - a darling of the American administration....
.... the Israeli government made some sort of a short-term pledge to US President Barack Obama.... It is even likely that Netanyahu won acquiescence from his right-wing coalition partners: a very striking development, which would indicate that any such concession would be short-lived.... Netanyahu is also taking up Obama's challenge for the moral high ground in case of a future confrontation between them. This could have profound implications in case of an Israeli attack on Iran. Given the widespread support which Israel enjoys, the Obama administration finds itself embroiled in an uphill public relations campaign every time it decides to confront the Israeli government openly. ...Netanyahu is setting up a bargaining strategy to use with Obama in case he chooses to go to war without American blessing: the settlement halt and progress in the negotiations will continue for as long as support on Iran is provided. This is, importantly, a compromise he can sell domestically as well, ... (more/here)
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Uprooted Palestinian
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