BY SAMI KOHEN
MILLIYET- Mahmoud Abbas has claimed victory in this week’s Palestinian presidential elections. That was the easiest part for him, winning the polls, but the difficult bit is about to begin. His election can trigger new starts, hopeful new beginnings in the region.
There are a number of major domestic and foreign problems that he has to tackle. Abbas is expected to try to strengthen the Palestinian state, reduce unemployment, enact economic and social reforms and take measures to fight corruption. The important thing is that fulfilling people’s expectations on these issues largely depends upon foreign factors. Therefore, Abbas will have to exert every possible effort to improve his relations with the Israeli government. He recently expressed his willingness to establish a dialogue with Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. This is a good sign.
Since Israel refused to have anything to do with Arafat, peace efforts before his death proved pointless. Now, however, Israel has a new leader to talk with and discuss common problems, which means a new dialogue could commence in the region. However, Abbas must take effective measures to crack down on radical groups responsible for the spiraling violence. To achieve this goal, Israel must cooperate with Palestine. To make progress in the peace process, both sides must take steps simultaneously. These steps can be small. For example, Israel can release Palestinian prisoners and the Abbas administration can take immediate measure against acts of violence. Perhaps the best way to end the region’s vicious cycle of violence is to take such measures as soon as possible. Maybe the parties might agree on a cease-fire soon. Then real hope will be possible.