Abbas Declares War With Israel Effectively Over (NYT)

The new Palestinian leader, Mahmoud Abbas, said in an interview this weekend that the war with the Israelis is effectively over and that the Israeli prime minister, Ariel Sharon, is speaking "a different language" to the Palestinians. Mr. Sharon's commitment to withdraw from Gaza and dismantle all Israeli settlements there and four in the West Bank, despite "how much pressure is on him from the Israeli Likud rightists," Mr. Abbas said, "is a good sign to start with" on the road to real peace.

"And now he has a partner," Mr. Abbas said.

Pretty to think so, huh? And maybe -- just maybe -- things will prove to be different with Abbas at the helm in the PA. But no grand pronouncements or premature Peace Prizes this time, okay? As Kevin Drum wisely said the other day, baby steps. . . .