Abbas’s Contradictory Statements

Abbas to a Western, English-speaking audience:

“'I am committed to peace, but not forever,' Mr. Abbas said. 'I don't mean I will turn to violence—never. In my life. I will never do it. But I cannot stay in my office forever doing nothing.'”

—from an interview with Bernard Avishai, New York Times Magazine. The statement was intended for an international audience.

Abbas to an Arab Audience:

“I have said more than once that if the Arabs want war, we are with them.”

—from a meeting with Egyptian and other Arab journalists. This statement was meant for an Arab audience and reported in the official Palestinian Authority daily Al-Hayat Al-Jadida.Abbas has repeated this willingness to join an all-out Arab war three times in the last year: first, to the Arab League in March, 2010, then in July, 2010, and now again.

By Itamar Marcus and Nan Jacques Zilberdik, Palestinian Media Watch