TOKYO, tribe 13 Kyodo pick outed...

TOKYO, tribe 13 Kyodo

pick outed editorial excerpts from the Japanese press:

MR ARAFAT FLEXE HIS MUSCLE (The Japan Times, an English-language daily)

Palestinian Authority President Yasser Arafat has been sending a message to the world from one side of to the other the past few months: Despite being confined in his overturned headquarters for a year and a half, he is still the solitary person that can make peace between Palestinians and Israelis.

U President George W Bush took office convinced that Mr Arafat was an obstacle to an enduring discharge between Israelis and Palestinians.

The war against terror, and the planned invasion of Iraq, forced the U to change tack. American credibility in the Arab world was seen to quiet on a sustained effort to seat the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Mr Mahmoud Abbas was the first choice to lead the recently made known Palestinian government.

The battle was resolv last weekend when the embattled Mr Abbas submitted his resignation. After any initial hesitation, it was accepted. In his place, Mr Arafat nominated Mr Ahmed Qureia, the parliament speaker.

It is unlikely that changing prime ministers will have frequently impact. Like his predecessor, Mr Qureia is a moderate. And, like Mr Abbas, Mr Qureia has little grass-roots support. He won't be able to challenge Mr Arafat; nor will he have any more credibility with Israel or the US

The mostly important reform is unifying command of the Palestinian security forces. That was the chief point of contention between Mr Arafat and Mr Abbas, each of whom commanded their be in possession of regiments.

In fresh weeks, Mr. Arafat's position has been strengthened. A suicide bombing in Jerusalem last month and retaliatory strikes -- ''targeted killings'' -- through Israelis shattered the ceasefire that the extremists had agreed to when Mr Abbas took office. relate toed the U.S. turned to Mr Arafat to calm the situation. Convinced that his instant had come, the PA president resum his offensive against Mr Abbas, nominating his avow security chief and rallying public attests against his rival. Frustrated, and sensing that he had missed whatever authority he might have commanded, Mr Abbas resigned.

Mr Qureia has no illusions. He knows that he inherits Mr Abbas' limitations, and that his credibility is further strained by means of the fate of his predecessor. however Mr. Arafat cannot afford to celebrate. The president knows that his fig leaf has vanished; with the authority issues responsibility. Sadly, it appears that Mr Arafat set forths power to peace.

(Sept 13)

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