Arafat has rejected the reformist cabinet proposed by his Prime Minister, Mahmoud Abbas, leading to speculation that the Road Map to Peace is stillborn.
I have a solution that will prevent this problem.
The US, EU and UN should recognize Abbas' cabinet as the legitimate cabinet of Palestine, pending elections to be held once Arafat is out of power. Further, the US should use their influence to 'encourage' (force) Israel to recognize the new Cabinet.
Problem solved. In one stroke, Arafat is removed from power, joining OSama and Saddam in irrelevance, the Palestinians have a reformist government, and there will be a legitimate basis to begin peace talks.
Sure, it's bold, but these times require bold measures. Arafat will object, but he'll do so no matter what we do. Why keep him on the stage? A political assassination like this one is much cleaner than an actual one, and this way, he doesn't even get to claim matyrdom. He's just shoved to the side while the big boys get to work.
Bush has the stones to pull it off, but I doubt Kofi does.
Too bad. It really could work.
Posted by Rich at April 22, 2003 3:40 PM | TrackBackan interesting idea..the only problem that I see with it is that it would bring calls of a "puppet regime" from many quarters if it's legitimacy is by virtue of the United States recognizing it and little else. It would kinda be like an American politician getting the endorsement of the KKK or similar group. I'm not sure if Abbas has the political capital to survive being America's "boy".
Posted by: Manish on April 22, 2003 6:47 PMIf only the US did it, then yes, it would be a problem. That's why I specified the UN and the EU together with the US.
Posted by: rich on April 22, 2003 9:42 PMmy bad..I didn't notice that part. Having said that, it would be difficult to get the Europeans and the U.N. to agree to do that.
Posted by: Manish on April 23, 2003 2:53 AMI don't see why. By recognizing an official Palestinian gov't, one also recognized by the US, the EU gets what it has clkaimed it wanted, significant progress towards a Palestinian state. With Sharon indicating a willingness to abandon some settlements in the West Bank, the timing is perfect for a bold move like this.