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Title: The reformist illusion

Author: Graham Usher

Journal: Al-Ahram Weekly Online

Issue: No. 63 Dated March 20-26, 2003.

Online Accessibility: http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2003/630/re2.htm

Abstract:

This is a response to an editorial in the Palestinian newspaper Al-Ayyam, by the editor and former PLO negotiator, Akram Haniyya, explaining the reasons for embarking by Palestinian leadership on the road of reform, including the decision to appoint a Palestinian prime minister (PM). Citing Haniyya’s opinion that the appointment of a PM with jurisdictions and responsibilities is a part of the Road-Map to end the occupation and pave the way to negotiations based on a two-state solution, the author states that Haniyya is reflecting the political philosophy of his mentor and the Palestinian PM-in-waiting, Mahmoud Abbass or Abu-Mazen. The author also discusses the ideas of Abbass who leads a stream within Fatah that believes in reducing factional powers and exposing Sharon’s stupidity.