Message of Unity, Arab News

Message of Unity

Arab News 29 November 2004

The decision by jailed Palestinian leader Marwan Al-Barghouthi not to run in January’s election for president comes as a signal that the leadership has the big picture in mind and will not allow personality issues to interfere with the mission that lies ahead. As can be expected, the decision has been greeted with a huge sigh of relief. It prevented a potentially destructive rift within the ruling Fatah and perhaps one at the very core of the Palestinian establishment.

All things considered, Al-Barghouthi has made an exceptionally brave decision. He could have become Yasser Arafat’s successor. He is an intifada firebrand who arguably has a better chance of winning the election than the relatively dour Mahmoud Abbas. Al-Barghouthi is the most popular Palestinian figure, especially among the young and has been a major figure in the battle against the occupation. His popularity has been growing since his arrest last year by Israel.

One consideration that influenced Al-Barghouthi’s decision could have been that had he won at the polls, it is possible that Israel would not have released him. That would push the whole thing back to square one giving those who do not wish Palestine well the chance to claim that the Palestinians had no elected leadership and hence there were no peace partners.

It is also conceivable that he might have eventually been released. If so, it can be said that he renounced a unique opportunity to leave prison where he is destined to spend the rest of his life. Instead, he bowed to calls for Palestinian unity and gave his support to Abbas who is now the only Fatah candidate and thus the top candidate in the coming elections. Abbas is the kind of man that Israel, the United States and the West in general would like to see as president. His pragmatism, his opposition to armed struggle and his frequent negotiations with Israel make him the ideal candidate for a peace deal. In fact, the perception that he is too accommodating on central issues might be a negative point in Palestinian eyes. This could be the reason why Abbas recently emphasized that he would follow in Arafat’s footsteps and demanded that Israel recognize Palestinian refugees’ right of return. He appeared to be sending a message to Fatah’s young guard that, despite his pragmatism and opposition to violence, he would be tough in future talks with Israel — that if you vote for Abbas, it will be like voting for Al-Barghouthi.

While Al-Barghouthi’s change of heart means he will not be the Palestinian leader but he will most likely run in Fatah’s August internal elections — the first in 16 years — being held to placate rival factions. There are also moves afoot to have him released. Foreign Minister Nabil Shaath revealed as much, saying he had asked US Secretary of State Colin Powell last week to exert pressure on Israel to free Al-Barghouthi. Al-Barghouthi’s decision means there will be no split over influence, no slide into anarchy. Until now, Palestinians have won worldwide praise for a smooth and peaceful transfer of power. That admiration continues.

Earth, a planet hungry for peace

Apartheid Wall


The Israeli Land-Grab Apartheid Wall built inside the Palestinian territories, here separating Abu Dis from occupied East Jerusalem. (IPC, 7/4/04).

The Israeli apartheid (security) wall around Palestinian population centers in the West Bank, like a Python. (Alquds,10/25/03).

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