Al-Okaz, Saudi Arabia, December 7
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas didn’t think twice before deciding how to respond to the American announcement on Jerusalem. Some critics slammed his reluctance to call for armed resistance instead of adhering to a strict policy of peaceful protests. But Abbas’ strategy might yet be proven correct. Abu Mazen [Abbas], who has ruled the Palestinian Authority for the past twelve years, is well aware of the current international conditions, which do not work in his favor. The Arab world has lost interest in the Palestinian problem. With this in mind, he is trying to cut his losses by boycotting the U.S. administration and severing most ties to Israel while maintaining control over what is left of Palestine. It is unlikely, though, that Abbas will order the PA to cut security coordination with Israel, as his own government relies on this support. He will, however, assume a more aggressive diplomatic posture towards Israel, specifically in international forums, with the hope of gaining widespread recognition of Palestine with east Jerusalem as its capital. Abbas might also play the BDS card, since boycotts have been effective in forcing the Israeli government to make concessions. There is no doubt that the Palestinians are the biggest losers of the U.S. declaration but at the same time not all is lost. If Abbas continues to uphold his positions while making clear to both the Israelis and Americans that their Jerusalem initiative will not pay off, he may very well succeed in bringing the Palestinian issue back onto the agenda. President Trump will not stay in office for much longer and as soon as a new administration takes the reins, Abbas will be in a more advantageous place. Until then, the name of the game is patience. Only steadfastness and resilience will get the Palestinians closer to their goal. – Abd al-Nasser Essa