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February 24, 2005

Good News in Palestine

Mahmoud Abbas' influence is increasing, and that looks to be a good thing:

The Palestinian parliament on Thursday approved a 24-member Cabinet dominated by professional appointees, including nearly half with doctoral degrees, in a major move toward long-promised government reform.

The 54-12 vote, with four abstentions, ended days of wrangling between rebellious legislators and Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qureia, who initially sought to reappoint political cronies of the late Yasser Arafat.

On Wednesday, Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas intervened in the dispute between parliament and his prime minister, and persuaded legislators from his Fatah Party to support a Cabinet largely consisting of ministers chosen for their expertise, not political loyalty.

The further away the Palestinians get from Arafat's regime the better things will be for them, for Israel, and for the world. Arafat never wanted and never worked for peace. His aim was ever bent toward death, destruction, and the accumulation of power. The jury is still out, but so far, Mahmoud Abbas has demonstrated cool-headed resolve. Because of him, hope exists.

Posted by bubba138 at February 24, 2005 10:54 AM