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U.S. Bet on Abbas for Mideast Peace Meets Skepticism. Intelligence Reports Cast Doubt on Strength While Warning of Tenacity of Hamas
[Washington Post] Robin Wright - Several intelligence assessments have warned that Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas, the man U.S. policymakers hope can help salvage the Middle East peace process, may not be politically strong enough to achieve that goal, according to U.S. officials. The assessments have also cautioned that his opponents in Hamas will not be easily marginalized. The White House is now betting that Abbas, replenished by the return of aid from the West and tax revenue withheld by Israel, can create a stable enclave in the West Bank and resume peace negotiations with Israel. "Fatah faces significant challenges in effectively governing the West Bank. Israeli military operations are the major factor restricting Hamas activity, and Abbas can at best influence, not control, the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade forces that are the power on the street in several towns," said a senior intelligence official. In the nearly three years since he took over after Arafat's death, Abbas has not been able to exert enough authority to command or produce action.