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This is buried in the middle of JPost’s stories from yesterday, and we can’t find it anywhere on YNet and Ha’aretz. We don’t think there’s anything about it on any of the JBlogs, although we only did a basic keyword search. All of that is weird, because it seems like it changes the entire dynamic of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process – all of which relies on the West being able to pressure Israel into pretending that there is a partner for peace on the Palestinian side willing and able to make peace.

Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas has recently made it clear that he does not intend to run for another term, PA officials here said Thursday… Abbas, according to some of his aides, is planning to call early elections within the next six months. “I doubt if the president will run for another term,” said one aide. “He has hinted more than once that he is tired and wants to relax.”

You know who won’t be sad to see him go? Meryl. And you know why she might be right? Because of who Abbas would choose to continue his legacy:

Abbas traveled to Jordan 10 days ago, where he met with an old colleague of his, Ahmed Ghnaim, and tried to persuade him to move from Tunisia to Ramallah. Ghnaim, who is better known by his nom de guerre Abu Maher, is one of the few veteran PLO leaders who refused to move to the Palestinian territories after the signing of the Oslo Accords… Abbas reportedly told… Ghnaim that he sees him as his natural successor as chairman of the PA. But Ghnaim, who remains staunchly opposed to the Oslo Accords, is said to have turned down the offer.

That’s too bad. The rest of the article talks about how there’s a leadership battle gearing up within the Fatah ranks. Israel should let Barghouti out of jail, on the condition that he promises to mix it up with the rest of the Fatah young guards. Just for the fun of it.

Bonus question: will this really effect security guarantees to the Palestinians, or will the US always find some way to justify continued security assistance even to unrepentant terrorists? Yes, Ms. Geller has her hand raised.

Related link we couldn’t find any other way to include: Aussie Dave. Heh.

References:
* Mahmoud Abbas, moderate, peacemaker, and LIAR [Yourish]
* Point of Clarification [MR]
* US Training Islamic Jihad [Atlas]
* Separated at Birth [Israellycool]

Previously:
* White House: Sure Abbas is Powerless, But That Doesn’t Mean Israel Shouldn’t Give Him Land
* Tell Us, President Abbas, How Can We Help You Today?
* Hamas: AQ Not In Gaza. Abbas, AQ Kidnapping Victim Alan Johnston: Yes They Are