This is not only a win for the UAE and Israel, it can also advance Palestinian interests. Egypt and Jordan, the two Arab states that enjoy peace with Israel have been more effective in advancing the Palestinian cause than rejectionist. The UAE is a valuable addition to this axis.
.
@ErakatSaeb
Politics aside, Saeb Erakat was a warm, kind and generous man. His love for his family was unparalleled. May they have solace in these hard times.
إنا لله وإنا إليه راجعون
Preventing a new war in Gaza requires concrete and not overly-ambitious projects. The US should lead and the PA should be the address for implementation. If the PA continues to refuse to take responsibility, it should be bypassed. My latest with M Herzog
Excited to join
@NeriZilber
Wednesday March 28 for the launch of our joint study on the Palestinian security forces, the first comprehensive study of the subject in a number of years. If you are in DC, drop by. If not, check out the live feed.
Proud of the release of
@NeriZilber
and my new study on PA security forces. It was an honor and a pleasure working with Neri. We hope our study contributes to understanding these crucial but under-researched forces.
My latest in the
@CairoReview
examining the context surrounding the PLO decision to sign Oslo, the resilience and vulnerabilities of the Accord’s architecture today, and whether what was created in Oslo 25 years ago can still be salvaged.
An Arab statement explicitly deeming Hamas’ weapons illegitimate while making it clear to Abbas that he would be bypassed unless he returns to Gaza would advance efforts to avert war and address Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. My latest with
@DavidMakovsky
The contest to succeed Pres Abbas promises to be destabilizing. Waiting till the process is in full swing will be too late. To shape the process and reduce instability, the world, under US leadership, must act now. My latest in
@ForeignAffairs
1. Read my latest on Gaza In January 2006, Hamas won the Palestinian Parliamentary Legislative Council elections. The US and Israel adopted an economic theory of change: apply economic pressure to push positive political outcomes.
@USAIDWBG
@usembassyjlm
A continuation of the trend towards authoritarianism that has marked Pres. Abbas’ rule. Turning what was a vibrant political and civil society into another petty dictatorship.
@KShikaki
is one of the most credible analytical voices coming out of Palestine.
In my latest, I examine the internal dynamics within Hamas and Fatah in the lead-up to the PLC elections (which might or might not happen). Once again, Hamas seems unified and disciplined while Fatah is rife with splits and internal tensions.
Today a general strike was observed in the West Bank and demonstrations took place in Ramallah to protest the new Palestinian social security law. This piece from December looks at the causes, context and implications for these ongoing protests.
Socio-economic protests in the West Bank are a cause for alarm. Worsening economy, poor PA governance, rising tensions with Israel, and Hamas fomenting instability create an explosive mix. My latest with
@madison_rinder
Throughout his presidency, Abbas has prevented the emergence of viable successors & weakened the very institutions that led to a smooth transition after Arafat.
@YaariEhudJLM
and I examine the dynamics, personalities and risks in a post-Abbas transition
In my testimony before
@HouseForeign
MENA Subcommittee, I argue that instead of a peace process that will likely fail, the US should focus on less ambitious but more achievable goals.
The full text is here
The video is here
@Ibishblog
@robsatloff
@WhiteHouse
I wonder how sustainable these noncommittal positions are. As the details of the plan sink in and talk of annexation gears up, the pressure to take a clear, negative position will increase. The PA is sure to try to force a decision at Saturday’s Arab League meeting.
@robsatloff
@HamzahHKJ
Two more points. Tribes are not cohesive, monolithic entities similar to the early days of the kingdom. Also such tensions are not new. Most major protests in recent years have been in traditionally tribal areas: 1989 in the south, 1996 in Karak, 2011 across the whole country etc
Socio-economic protests in the West Bank are a cause for alarm. Worsening economy, poor PA governance, rising tensions with Israel, and Hamas fomenting instability create an explosive mix. My latest with
@madison_rinder
After the end of hostilities in Gaza, Palestinian politics plunges deeper into dysfunction: national disunity, Fatah fragmentation, Hamas at a dead end and a public that is losing faith in its political leaders and institutions. My latest in
@WPReview
@OferZalzberg
I can’t imagine a scenario where P elections can happen. Neither Hamas nor Fatah want it in their territory and will blame one another and blame Israel re: E J’lem to ensure it won’t happen. Abbas’ statement is more about Hamas-Fatah legitimacy battle & succession than elections.
The weekend events showed that Jordan, a crucial ally, should not be taken for granted and must continue to be supported. But Jordan has to engage in deeper reforms to prevent recurring episodes of instability. This and more in my latest with
@robsatloff
.
Probably the most compelling treatment of arguments put forward in support of annexation I have read. Thorough and grounded in a sober, rigorous analysis. I highly recommend reading beyond the executive summary!
I am proud to announce publication of my new essay "Wrestling with Annexation: The Elusive Search for a Policy Rationale." (It's nearly 7,000 words but fear not - there is an executive summary!)
@WashInstitute
1/10
The PA has made it clear it will reject the Trump Administration’s peace plan. In my latest, I look at what this means in diplomatic and practical terms.
As always,
@jakewalles
provides sharp analysis. The conclusion cuts straight to the core point: without the PA opening up the Palestinian political space, elections would be flawed - and flawed elections are worse than no elections at all.
Despite many official statements, the UAE’s opposition to annexation is often mischaracterized or dismissed as pro forma. Amb. Otaiba’s op-ed dispels any doubt that such a move will incur a regional cost. The UAE’s past outreach to Israel adds to this message’s credibility.
JUST IN: In a first,
#UAE
Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba publishes op-ed in Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, warning against Annexation.
He explained to
@TheNationalUAE
why he did it, what's at stake if annexation happens:
In breaking from the all-or-nothing approach of the Arab Peace Initiative, the UAE-Israel deal highlights the need for a new, parallel approach that leverages gradual Arab-Israeli normalization towards gradual progress on the Palestinian track. My latest
"If You’re Going to Have Relations with Israel, do it Publicly" |
@DCinsider_
talks with
@GhAlOmari
on
#MENA
relations with Israel and the two-state solution.
PM-designate
@DrShtayyeh
- a compromise candidate - will have to contend with Fatah factionalism, paralyzing succession dynamics, an escalating rift with Hamas, and worsening financial and security situation in the West Bank. My latest from
@WashInstitute
In our latest
@WashInstitute
analysis, Michael Herzog and I examine Palestinian-Israeli dynamics under
#Coronavirus
and their possible implications for US policy towards the conflict.
@ycmizrahi
@harryreis
@ReformMovement
@NewIsraelFund
@netanyahu
@NYTBen
You are absolutely right. There is a fantastical standard whereby anything short of the Arab streets burning and governments fully mobilized is considered “muted”. In reality such extreme reactions were historically the rare exception, with diplomatic responses being the norm.
Wise management of the Jordan protests prevented a slide into chaos, and the appointment of a reformist PM was well received. But economic challenges remain, and the US should work with Jordan and regional allies to navigate those. My latest w/
@fishman_b
Some thoughts on the prospects for Palestinian reconciliation (or the lack thereof), and what this tells us about the contest to succeed Pres Abbas. Via
@WPReview
25 years later, the security underpinnings of the Israel-Jordan peace treaty remain solid, but the civil aspects of are under strain.
@fishman_b
and I examine areas of tension and cooperation, and how the US can help relations between its two allies.
He was a man of vision who nevertheless remained deeply rooted in Jordan’s reality and sensibilities. And he did it all with integrity and humility. Great loss for Jordan. May he rest in peace and may his family find solace in these difficult times.
Deeply saddened by the passing of
#FayezTarawneh
- an old and good friend, loyal
#Jordanian
patriot, and a fierce, proud and unstinting advocate of peace with honor. May his memory be a blessing.
The speed with which the recent Gaza flare-up ended indicates that Israel and Hamas have concluded that the Egyptian-led truce talks are their best available option. Assaf Orion and I examine what makes this process different and what can still derail it.
The US has valid concerns regarding aspects of UNRWA’s financing and operations. Using aid as leverage can help address them, but the humanitarian and political damage caused by defunding UNRWA far outweighs the benefits. My latest in the
@CairoReview
My latest, in which I argue that Oslo - for all its shortcomings - was and remains good for the Palestinian people. Rather than letting the Oslo framework collapse, its remnants should be salvaged and its flaws should be rectified.
Despite its shortcomings, "the Oslo process served and continues to serve key Palestinian interests, and a collapse of its framework could deal a mortal blow to Palestinian national aspirations," writes
@GhAlOmari
.
@FikraForum
6/7
@_ZachFoster
@madison_rinder
According to reporting (mainly in Arabic) they are a combination of workers and business-owners. A good English piece by
@adamrasgon1
: . In some areas, especially Hebron, Hizb ut-Tahrir has also been active in calling for protests.
As diplomacy escalates, Palestinian-Israeli security cooperation helps contain the situation on the ground. The U.S. needs to continue supporting this virtuous dynamic. My latest with
@NeriZilber
The USSC has been one of the few sustained successes for US policy in the Palestinian-Israeli arena. Recent plans to downgrade the rank of its commander could spell the end of the mission. My latest with
@ShiraEfron
@NoahBopp
@SEGL
Always an honor and pleasure engaging the amazing
@segl
students. The energy, knowledge and commitment of your students always leave me energized and hopeful.
@kenwstein
Thanks Ken for sharing. It is easy in retrospect to trash Oslo and declare it dead. The reality (and the historical context) are much more complicated.
It’s official: Palestinian legislative elections set for May 22 postponed, w no new date set. Reason given is E Jlem vote but this was known/likely problem since Pres Abbas declared elex in Jan. Real reason is fear of his Fatah faction’s chances vis Hamas & divisions in the mvmnt
PA President Abbas seems to be leaning towards postponing the elections, with a possible announcement as early as tomorrow. Some thoughts on the implications of such a decision.
.
@GrantRumley
and I examine intra-Palestinian dynamics impacting Gaza. We argue that Abbas should either be a partner in bringing relief to his people in Gaza, or be bypassed in the international efforts to provide aid to the impoverished coastal Strip.
The delay in launching the US peace plan due to new Israeli elections provides the administration with an opportunity to recalibrate its approach towards more focus on stabilization and alliance-building. My latest in
@NBCNewsTHINK
@Martin_Indyk
No implications in practice. But politically allows Abbas to claim that he is implementing PLO/Fatah decisions to disengage from Israel. May resonate in the Fatah universe but not much beyond. Indicates that he is under some pressure to be seen as doing something.
@mkoplow
@SeanDurns
I think it was more about political will than time. Dayton’s tenacity and
@CondoleezzaRice
political support were key. Abbas’ aversion to violence created context.
@SalamFayyad_pm
though was the one who understood the importance of professionalising the PASF and made it happen.
@Dave_Harden
Abbas has shown tactical skill in maneuvering Arab states behind him (recent visit to KSA, navigating the Arab League, etc). Some US policies helped him. Ultimately this strategy is not sustainable and the PA will be left behind, but for now they feel their approach is working.
@NimrodNovik
@NeriZilber
You’ll have to wait and see, won’t you? But seriously, of course, the professionaism of these forces is one of the few bright spots in an otherwise grim landscape. US support has been key and it would be tragic to see this successful aspect of US policy jeopardized.
The PA will likely use PM Netanyahu’s vow to annex the Jordan Valley if he is re-elected to its diplomatic advantage, but its options when it comes to practical responses are diminishing. My latest from
@WashInstitute
How will the Palestinian issue play out in the Arab Summit this Sunday? Will it be impacted by the recent softened tone towards Israel by some Arab leaders? Some indicators to keep an eye out for in my latest from
@WashInstitute
And here is the Arabic version. مقال جدير بالقراءة لكل مهتم بتاريخ الأردن وبالشأن الأردني عمومًا. معلومات تاريخية جديدة حول قرار المغفور له الملك حسين نقل ولاية العهد من الأمير حسن إلى الملك عبد الله الثاني.
@SaraHirschhorn1
@WashInstitute
Thanks! It is tempting to look at today’s mess and blame everything on Oslo or imagine a counterfactual scenario where all would have been great were it not for Oslo. I try here to put it all on context with and eye towards what can be done now.
@kdiwaniya
Great thread dispelling a widely circulating but inaccurate narrative. Along similar lines, Jordan did not reject the plan. It’s position is similar to Qatar and Kuwait, though perhaps more stark and for slightly different reasons, but certainly not a rejection.
A fantastic podcast about a topic that is not getting the attention it deserves in the US. The UAE is presenting a vibrant, new approach to governance and foreign policy in the Arab world and we should be paying more attention. Nicely done!
@Ibishblog
@JSchanzer
I am pessimistic about the overall prospects for the Administration’s, partly because of some of the Administration’s mistakes, mainly because of I and P political issues. Even secrecy is double-edged. Yet it has its benefits and these should be acknowledged.
A must-read for anyone interested in Jordan’s history and its impact on current dynamics. Sheds new valuable light on late King Hussein’s unexpected decision to change the order of succession in favor of his son - and current king - Abdullah II.
@natansachs
Even on this front it will likely backfire. A plan that does not include a P state and E. J’lem will be rejected by Arab leaders including Gulf (a la embassy move). This won’t impact existing Israeli-Gulf relations but will make it much more difficult to upgrade them.