Brewing Palestinian Crisis, Rice's Attention Elsewhere

Dennis Ross, The Washington Post | September 16, 2008

Negotiations are in limbo as Palestinians and Israelis attempt to endure their respective political transformations at home and in the US. ++ Mahmoud Abbas’ presidential term is set to expire in January, but presidential elections are not scheduled until a year later. ++ The result will either be a legitimacy gap for Abbas or an ensuing power vacuum. ++ Hamas is looking to exploit this potential crisis. ++ Condoleezza Rice should focus her attention on this brewing predicament instead of seeking a grand solution to the conflict.