Barry Rubin thinks Condoleezza Rice is wasting her time dealing with Fatah. The Globe & Mail gave him op-ed space to explain why:
In the 15 months since then, Fatah has not made a single real reform, made any effort to combat its rampant corruption or brought younger dissidents into the leadership. Instead of articulating an alternative to the Hamas position, Fatah has simply tried to compete in proving how militant and willing to use violence it can be. This is a no-win strategy.
Last week, the Saudi-brokered agreement between Fatah and Hamas was implemented. Fatah has accepted a junior partnership with its Islamist rival on terms that reflect much of Fatah’s world view but that are very different from the moderate image the group wants to build in the West. The new coalition does not accept all the agreements made in the past peace processes, including those that provide the basis for the Palestinian Authority’s own existence and the international aid it receives.
The new government rejects Israel’s existence and continues to embrace terrorism.
(Hat tip: Headlines & Deadlines)
