Abbas wins election

I think that this is hopefully good news, Mahmoud Abbas winning the Palestinian election. He obviously has developed a following amongst rank and file Palestinians. He has spoken out against violence, and wants to resume negotiations with Israel for the creation of a Palestinian state. Of course, the line from the Israelis and the US conservatives is "now, without Arafat, there's a better chance for peace." Maybe, maybe not. But what I can tell you is that peace is completely up to the Israelis. They need to admit that the creation of a Palestinian state is necessary for peace, because it is. And a fair deal, one that gives the Palestinians real power. Arafat was right to reject the Clinton-Barak deal in 2000, because it left the Israeli's in control of many of the resources and services. Let us hope that Abbas, while rightfully opposing violence, stands firm on the principle of a Palestinian state, and that Sharon recognizes that the only solution is a completely autonomous Palestinian state.