Global Policy Forum

The victory of Fatah's candidate, Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen), in the election for a new Palestinian Authority chairman is likely to be an important milestone in the efforts to obtain a halt to the violent conflict, and thereafter perhaps an agreement as well. Abu Mazen is the most prominent Palestinian politician to have urged his countrymen to stick to a peaceful struggle. Ever since the intifada began more than four years ago, he has urged Palestinians to end the "military intifada," i.e. the terror attacks, and focus on a diplomatic and popular struggle. Even though he made some upsetting statements during his campaign - and even though his diplomatic demands of Israel are little different from those of his predecessor, Yasser Arafat - his stance against the use of violence has been consistent and determined.

Against this background, the fact that Abu Mazen won a decisive majority of the votes in the West Bank and Gaza has considerable importance. His victory is convincing. The Palestinian public expressed faith in him and in his path, and from now on, Abu Mazen is a diplomatic interlocutor who enjoys the legitimacy of a democratically elected leader. And because he is an elected, moderate leader who aspires to renew the diplomatic process, Israel has a clear interest in strengthening him. The prime minister must meet with him promptly and contribute to the establishment of good relations and a positive atmosphere by releasing prisoners for the upcoming Id al-Adha, or Feast of the Sacrifice, and making other gestures that will make it clear that Jerusalem recognizes the promising window that has now opened.

During the elections in the territories and East Jerusalem, there were a few mishaps and irregularities, mainly in the registration of eligible voters in certain districts. But these were of secondary importance and do not undermine the results.

Abu Mazen has promised to reform the PA's government, and first and foremost its security services, in order to impose the rule of law and order. He does not intend to have a showdown with his rivals from Hamas and other opposition organizations, but rather to conduct a dialogue with them and persuade them to join a cease-fire with Israel. In this, he is receiving help and encouragement from several sources, led by the Egyptian government, which is lending its aegis to a renewed dialogue among the Palestinian factions.

The new PA chairman was elected against the background of a new reality in the region and the world: four years of bloodshed, which resulted in many victims and heavy damage; an American government that is seeking a way out of the ongoing crisis in Iraq; and hints of a new direction in Syria. But more important than any of these is the change in Israel. Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's disengagement plan, which has just received a boost in the form of a new government that includes Labor, is slated to dismantle all Israeli settlements and military installations in the Gaza Strip this year and transfer them to the Palestinians.

This is a dramatic move that accords with the Palestinians' interests. Abu Mazen can integrate his plans for a cease-fire and the rehabilitation of the security services in Gaza with the PA's assumption of full responsibility for the Gaza Strip. Such integration will increase the odds of success for the disengagement, which is currently the most relevant diplomatic plan on the agenda of both parties to the conflict.

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