Should Palestinians declare independence à la Kosovo? This intriguing possibility was raised by PLO stalwart Yasser Abed Rabbo, a long-time veteran of the Palestinian-Israeli peace process, and thus capable to measure the dire straits the current process is in.
The idea is not a bad one. It would be extremely controversial and put a lot of countries in an extremely difficult position. Should they recognise such a country?
For the countries committed to the peace process, would be a difficult proposition and for those opposed to a division of Palestine, it would be equally so.
For Palestinians frustrated with Israeli intransigence and footdragging, however, it would be exactly the kind of dramatic gesture that could set the fox in among the pigeons. If enough countries were to recognise this state, it would mark a victory for the Palestinians and would also challenge others to put their money where their mouths are, as it were.
It would clear the field, separate boys from men and shine a stark light on who exactly supports an independent Palestinian state and how.
But for it to have any efficacy, for it to really put pressure on Israel, it would first and foremost need Palestinian agreement. Here the plan rather falls apart.
Hamas, for one, would not agree to such a move, shelving as it does, any chance of a return to historic Palestine. Moreover, the possible punishment that Washington would mete out for such audacity would also seriously undermine support for it from within two-state Palestinian circles.
If Palestinians are looking for an alternative to violence and fruitless talks, one grand gesture is open to them. Announce, simply, that should negotiations not bear fruit by the beginning of 2009, as is called for by the US, there will be no point in further talks and thus no point in the Palestinian Authority, a direct result of such talks.
Let Israel ponder hard whether it wants to return to a situation of full occupation, with all that it entails of responsibility for Palestinians’ welfare.
Indeed, let Israelis and Palestinians together ponder whether they really want a two-state solution at all.
Such a move at least could be supported in various ways by all the Palestinian factions, is a real pressure point against Israel and is sure to focus mind.
But if such an announcement is made, it had better be serious, otherwise it will be futile.
