Clarification/Follow-up by excon on 01/11/05 10:59 am:

Abbas is no moderate. His election is not a step toward peace. What was true in Afghanistan and Iraq is true in the Palestinian Authority as well: Without regime change, freedom and democracy are impossible. Just as the defeat of the Taliban and Ba'athists were a prerequisite to elections, so the dismantling of the corrupt Fatah autocracy is essential to Palestinian reform.

Clarification/Follow-up by tomder55 on 01/11/05 11:39 am:
So, why is Bush embracing this terrorist? Hasn't he learned???

My guess is that part of it is Bush accomodating Tony Blair ,and part of it is to get a feel of the man ;to see how committed he is to the peace plan. I will not jump to conclusions where Bush is concerned.... yet . Bush was far from the first world leader to call Abbas with gushing praise . He did invite Abbas to the White House (which would make me physically ill);probably knowing that Abbas would never accept it at the risk of his new found prestige in the Palestinian world.He met with him before when he and Abbas and Sharon were discussing the original "Road Map" . He should feel him out privately to see how interested he is in cooperating in a "two state" solution.

Don't be alarmed ;Bush has not gone to Jerusalem shouting "Ariel Sharon ;tear down that wall ! "

Clarification/Follow-up by ETWolverine on 01/11/05 3:44 pm:
Excon,

With Bush on the Middle East, watch what Bush does, not what he says. His actions speak much louder than his words, and making placating remarks hurts nobody. But will he treat Abbas like an ally or like an opponent? My gut says that Bush recognizes exactly what Abbas is, and realizes that he is no different than Arafat. And Abbas can expect the same treatment as Arafat got if he doesn't change Bush's impression of him very quickly.

Elliot