Folks:
Just thought I would engage those that have an interest in Middle East politics.
Mohammed Dahlan announced that he would not stand as a candidate for the January 9th elections in the Palestinian territories. He is going to back Mahmoud Abbas. A few others that had considered running seem to be reconsidering.
This means that the only other viable candidate is Marwan Barghouti. He is currently in an Israeli prison. However, his popularity has never waned. In fact, it has often been said that it was Yasser Arafat or someone in his camp that tipped off the Israelis on where to find Mr. Barghouti; thus allowing him to be captured, put on trial and be convicted.
There is currently no law that would prevent Mr. Barghouti from standing as a candidate for elections. He would stand a real chance of victory due to his enormous popularity among the ordinary people. Furthermore, he is highly regarded by the militants to the point where they often will follow his lead.
So, a few questions:
1. Should Mr. Barghouti stand as a candidate for Palestininan President and win; it would mean that Israel would be under enormous pressure to release him so that he could fullfil his duties as the elected President. Since Israel has stated it would not budge on releasing him, would the United States intervene?
2. Do you believe Mr. Barghouti capable of reining in the militants and having them agree to a ceasefire and being able to enforce it while entering into negotiations with Israel on the Gaza pull-out?
3. Should Mahmoud Abbas win, whether Mr. Barghouti runs or not, do you believe that Mr. Abbas is able to command the respect of the militants and get them to work with him on a ceasefire and be able to enforce it?
Regards.
Just thought I would engage those that have an interest in Middle East politics.
Mohammed Dahlan announced that he would not stand as a candidate for the January 9th elections in the Palestinian territories. He is going to back Mahmoud Abbas. A few others that had considered running seem to be reconsidering.
This means that the only other viable candidate is Marwan Barghouti. He is currently in an Israeli prison. However, his popularity has never waned. In fact, it has often been said that it was Yasser Arafat or someone in his camp that tipped off the Israelis on where to find Mr. Barghouti; thus allowing him to be captured, put on trial and be convicted.
There is currently no law that would prevent Mr. Barghouti from standing as a candidate for elections. He would stand a real chance of victory due to his enormous popularity among the ordinary people. Furthermore, he is highly regarded by the militants to the point where they often will follow his lead.
So, a few questions:
1. Should Mr. Barghouti stand as a candidate for Palestininan President and win; it would mean that Israel would be under enormous pressure to release him so that he could fullfil his duties as the elected President. Since Israel has stated it would not budge on releasing him, would the United States intervene?
2. Do you believe Mr. Barghouti capable of reining in the militants and having them agree to a ceasefire and being able to enforce it while entering into negotiations with Israel on the Gaza pull-out?
3. Should Mahmoud Abbas win, whether Mr. Barghouti runs or not, do you believe that Mr. Abbas is able to command the respect of the militants and get them to work with him on a ceasefire and be able to enforce it?
Regards.