May 25, 2006
THE DISCIPLINE OF DEMOCRACY:
Abbas plans referendum if no deal reached with Hamas (MOHAMMED DARAGHMEH, 5/25/06, Associated Press)
In a dramatic announcement, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said Thursday that he will call a national referendum on accepting a Palestinian state alongside Israel if Hamas does not agree to the idea within 10 days.The deadline to Hamas represented a political gamble that could either could either help resolve the Palestinians' internal deadlock or lead them into a deeper crisis.
Senior Hamas officials said they accepted the idea of a referendum.
There's nothing more dangerous to the governments of the Middle East than asking electorates what they really want. Posted by Orrin Judd at May 25, 2006 9:17 AM
At first glance, this would seem to give Hamas an out. Instead of having to acknowledge Israel, the referendum, if approved, could give them cover to say "The people made us do it" on any deal. They might even be able to just let Abbas handle the details, giving them the benefits without having to really change. Only downside I see is that this ploy would show the Palestinian electorate that Hamas cannot change, which could weaken their position next election.
Posted by: Jay at May 25, 2006 10:43 AMWhy would demonstrating that Hamas is out of touch with Palestine be adownside?
Posted by: oj at May 25, 2006 10:55 AMA deft move! I wonder if this was Abbas' idea...
Posted by: Mike Earl at May 25, 2006 11:15 AMOnly a downside to Hamas. I should have specified the perspective I was refering to.
Posted by: Jay at May 25, 2006 2:08 PM