Q-C leaders want consensus

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| Monday, January 10, 2005 | No comments posted

Thomas Geyer

Quad-City Jewish and Palestinian leaders are keeping a close eye on how Mahmoud Abbas will perform as president of the Palestinian Authority.

"Everything he says and does in English and in Arabic will be scrutinized ... by all parties," said Allan Ross, executive director of the Jewish Federation of the Quad-Cities.

"During the first 100 days of his administration, Abbas should try to consolidate his power base and be able to begin effective governing of the Palestinian areas," Ross said. "Israel intends to move out of Gaza, and this will be one of his first tests. Can he stem the flow of weapons from Egypt to Gaza? Can he stop the terrorist activities from Gaza?"

John Dabeet, of Muscatine, Iowa, a Palestinian who is president of Americans and Palestinians for Peace, or AMPAL, wants Abbas to work for consensus between all Palestinian groups.

Palestinian groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad, which are considered terrorist organizations by Israel, boycotted the election.

Dabeet, an economics and statistics professor at Muscatine Community College, said that any infighting would be entirely counter-productive.

"Israel would be the first to gain in such an instance, and we don't want to give (Israel Prime Minster Ariel) Sharon a reason to rejoice."

Dabeet said that in order to be a strong leader, Abbas has to line up "with the people in the mainstream. And the mainstream is not willing to give one inch on its demands including the right of return for refugees and East Jerusalem as the capital of an independent Palestine."

Thomas Geyer can be contacted at (563) 383-2328 or tgeyer@qctimes.com.