Only two years ago, the possibility of a democratically-elected Palestinian leader seemed not just untenable but downright risible. Yasser Arafat, though increasingly senescent and isolated, continued to act as puppet-master. Hamas ran amok on Main Street of every refugee camp in Gaza. Suicide bombings and retaliatory strikes were almost daily. The economies of the West Bank and Gaza were reduced to shambles.
Those were the realities Palestinians dealt with before casting their ballots for Prime Minister on Jan. 9. All were skeptical of the election. Some were befuddled at the notable absence of Arafat's name or his portraits looming over all polling stations. Others were shocked by the presence of international observers safeguarding against fraud. However, at the end of the day, 65 percent of eligible Palestinians cast their votes for the future of Palestine. In this post-Arafat era, Palestinians could finally decide their own fate. A sigh of relief on the part of the international community could be heard as Abu Mazen (Mahmoud Abbas), a moderate and favorite of both Israel and America, emerged victorious. He garnered more than 60 percent of Palestinian vote. He dwarfed his main opponent in popularity, Mustafa Barghouti, who captured a scant 19.8 percent.
The significance of Abu Mazen's victory in the election cannot be underestimated. It is the first time that an honest election has been held in Palestine, let alone the Arab world. This is indeed a symbolic victory for democracy, but more importantly, a pragmatic victory for peace. Abu Mazen's opponents in the election, notably Barghouti, have repeatedly praised the Intifada and its violence. They have rejected any notion of negotiations with Israel. Many have feared that the Palestinians would embrace the seething rhetoric of Barghouti, who reverberated the same sentiments as Hamas and other Oslo rejectionists. Essentially a vote for Barghouti was a vote in favor of continuing the Intifada. Abu Mazen's success at the polls proves that most Palestinians are willing to put aside their ideological enmity towards Israel for concrete improvements in their own lots and realistic goals. The election portends positively for the year.
I believe 2005 will be a year of cooperation between Israeli and Palestinians. The relationship between the Israeli government and the Palestian Authority will invariably improve. Now that Abu Mazen legitimately holds the reins of the PA, no longer can Ariel Sharon claim to have no partner with whom to negotiate. He has already stated willingness to collaborate with the PA as Israel prepares for the Gaza Disengagement Plan. Just days ago, a pro-disengagement coalition headed by Sharon was approved in the Knesset, furthering the opportunity for a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Although it will takes years if not decades to repair emotional damage and mistrust inflicted on the Israelis and Palestinians, we might see the beginning of the healing process this year.
This year will also witness the end of the Second Intifada. Irrefutably, the Palestinians have lost the Intifada. With over three thousand Palestinians dead and very little gained, no longer are Palestinians clamoring to sign up for martyrdom. And those who do usually end up in an Israeli jail or killed. Although the Israeli government continues to call upon the PA to crackdown on militants, a step Abbas is not yet willing to take, it will be the completion of the security fence and the emergence of a viable alternative option, Abu Mazen's regime, that lands the deathblow to the Intifada. Since the fence's construction, fewer attacks on Israelis have occurred. This consequently has allowed the IDF to reduce its presence in Palestinian towns -- reducing street rage against Israel. And if Abu Mazen can extract meaningful concessions from Sharon; the PA's prestige will wax as Hamas' wanes. This year, Palestinians will finally reject the impractical, self-destructive ideology of Hamas.
Democracy and elan will triumph in 2005 in Israel and Palestine. This year, I am optimistic. I believe all people, including the Palestinians, yearn for a better future. The results of the Palestinian election prove just that. For peace to occur, Israel must continue to actively fight against terrorism. Equally important, however, the Palestinian people must empower themselves, not through violence but through moderation, pragmatism and hope. The Palestinian election was a strong step in the right direction.
