The Palestinians go to the polls in January. Wow. Is this anything but good news? I guess the question is: How fair can they be? Will there be violence?
Hmm, I am not optimistic. I'll try to be, but as of now I have more faith in Iraqi elections. Then again, if Afghanistan can do it, anyone can.
Palestinians to elect Arafat successor in Jan
14.11.2004 - 19:00
By Cynthia Johnston
RAMALLAH, West Bank (Reuters) - Palestinians have set January 9 as the date for presidential elections to replace
Yasser Arafat and the United States has hinted it may be ready to resume Middle East peacemaking.
"There will be free and direct elections to elect the president of the Palestinian National Authority on January 9,
2005," interim president Rawhi Fattouh told reporters on Sunday, but officials insisted Israel pull back from occupied
areas.
Israeli Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom left on Saturday for the United States where he and Secretary of State Colin
Powell will discuss the "new situation in the region," Israeli officials said.
Arafat's death on Thursday left power in the hands of veteran deputies without his popular credibility. They want to
hold elections within the 60 days set by law to prevent a breakdown in order and revive peace moves with Israel.
One thing is for certain: The situation is liquid. Positive change is possible. Barghouti might be released from jail, moderates might emerge as peace partners and real political parties may spring up.
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