Who is Abu Mazen?

Very interesting analysis of new Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Abu Mazen's past public statements released today by MEMRI.   Frankly, I was impressed.   Abu Mazen appears to come out firmly against what he calls "the militarization of the Intifada", arguing that it is counterproductive to confront Israel militarily.

"The right thing to do is not to play in [Sharon's] field – that is, not to use weapons, but to focus on the political arena, where we could expose Sharon, and then either he would comply with the demands of peace or he would fall, as did Netanyahu."

He also appears to be willing to use force, if necessary, to restrain attacks on Israel.

"The new government's commitment is to determine the way, to declare it, and to persuade our people that this is the path that will lead to the desired goal. Here and there a number of people who will deviate from the Palestinian consensus will remain, and we will try to coerce them to place the supreme Palestinian interest above their individual interest, if necessary by using force."

If Abu Mazen can deliver on any of this, it will be incumbent upon the US to compel Israel to withdraw from the "occupied territories" and eliminate the settlements.   We shall see.