Between Annapolis and Damascus

By Emad Gad

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In June, the West Bank and Gaza parted ways. Refusing to step down even after being sacked by President Mahmoud Abbas, the government of Ismail Haniyeh commandeered administrative facilities in Gaza, practically creating a mini-state. A similar development happened in the West Bank, where Salam Fayyad formed a government representing Fatah's views.

Does any of this seem familiar? Following the creation of Israel, Gaza came under Egyptian control while the West Bank went to Jordan. The split is now being re-enacted by the Palestinians: two governments, two factions, and two totally different political visions. Hamas, now in control of the 360 square kilometres of Gaza, is committed to restoring all of Palestine, from the river to the sea. Fatah, now in control of 5,700 square kilometres of the West Bank, wants a negotiated settlement. The two rival Palestinian groups have their own regional and international backers. Hamas has Damascus, Tehran and Lebanon's Hizbullah on its side. Fatah has the backing of "moderate" Arabs and major international powers.

Both Fatah and Hamas are now heading to separate conferences. Fatah is sending delegates to Annapolis in an attempt to move the peace process forward. Hamas, not to be bested, is going to Damascus to denounce anything Annapolis can achieve.

Fatah accepts UN resolutions and hopes to turn them into a two-state reality. Hamas, for its part, is still loyal to pre-1967 Palestinian policies. At most, Hamas is willing to uphold a truce with Israel, until such a time that war becomes an option. What we have here is a zero- sum game. Any achievement by Fatah would be seen as a defeat by Hamas and any failure by Fatah would be seen as an achievement by Hamas. Who will win? Let's wait and see.

This week's Soapbox speaker is secretary- general of the non-governmental Arabs Against Discrimination.