Al-Araby al-Jadid, London, January 18
In his keynote address to the Palestinian Central Committee earlier this month, President Mahmoud Abbas spoke at length about the failed peace process, the strained relationship between the Palestinians and President Donald Trump and the national reconciliation process. But I found what he didn’t say more interesting than what he did. While Abbas confirmed the allegations that the United States, together with several Arab countries, tried to force the Palestinian leadership into accepting a horrible peace plan that called for the renunciation of Jerusalem as Palestine’s capital and the normalization of ties with Israel, he did not specify which Arab states were behind this effort and what they might have offered. By now, it is clear that Saudi officials were involved in the scheme. It is also clear that Abu Mazen [Abbas—Ed.] was blackmailed—indeed, almost bullied—into accepting the Likud-backed American “peace” plan. The Saudis offered very hefty bribes in the form of millions of dollars to the Palestinian president in return for his acquiescence and the abandonment of his people. He bravely turned them down. This was an admirable move, for which Abbas did not receive enough recognition. The focus now ought to be on what may follow. It is not unlikely that Riyadh will intensify its attack on the Palestinian leadership, perhaps by holding President Abbas hostage in Saudi Arabia or forcing him to resign. This would not be extremely surprising given the recent events with Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri. Abbas, in his silence, conveyed a message far louder than any spoken word. He reminded us that even in the absence of international backing, including from our Arab brethren, the Palestinian people will protect themselves. They might be outnumbered and overpowered but they will not give up their hope. And they will prevail. – Abd al-Nasser Issa