Imbalance of Power Aids Israeli Occupation
Daoud Kuttab writes that Israel's continued occupation is a result of an imbalance of power, rather than a lack of Palestinian strategy.
It is not clear whether Salam Fayyad uttered these exact terms, but what the New York Times' Roger Cohen quoted the outgoing Palestinian prime minister as having said resonated with many Palestinians. Frustrated as to the lack of progress after 46 years of occupation, Palestinians are ready to find any scapegoat to pour all their frustrations on. The statement that the Palestinian leadership lacks a coherent strategy and that many decisions are taken without study and thought sounds about right to many people. But is it that simple?
There is definitely much to be said about the importance of tactics in negotiations and the need to maximize one's strengths while trying to capitulate on the weakness of one's opponent. But is the delay of a breakthrough in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict only the result of bad tactics and the absence of a strategy among Palestinians? Many would agree wholeheartedly. But the evidence is not that persuasive.
