Thursday, August 26, 2010

Given the hubris of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and the support he enjoys from the Obama administration, I am surprised the Israeli settlement freeze was not extended to Tel Aviv and Haifa (“End of settlement freeze could derail Mideast talks,” Page 1, Tuesday).

If Mr. Abbas is really interested in achieving a viable Palestinian Arab state, he has to be willing to move from the disastrous stance of the late Palestinian Authority President Yasser Arafat to a realization that his bargaining position becomes weaker every day that he fails to curb extremism - and will be weaker still when Israeli construction bans are lifted.

If Mr. Abbas thinks threats of a new intifada will work, he is mistaken. Force will be met by force that will again completely derail the peace process.

NELSON MARANS

Silver Spring, Md.

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