For anyone who still, somehow, has any question as to whether Ahmed Qurei is a plausible partner for peace, I stongly recommend this comprehensive profile of the man, published yesterday by MEMRI. It should quickly resolve all doubts.
This quote, from an interview following the Aqaba summit this past June, is particularly chilling:
"The words of President Bush, that Israel is a Jewish state, aroused great concern among us. These words should not have been said. This summit has positive elements and they are the emphasis that the Palestinian state is the right of the Palestinian people. But issues regarding the essence [of this state] and its nature will be determined in negotiations…
"What is the meaning [of Bush's words] 'Jewish state?' Do we say: 'This is a Jewish state, this is a Sunni state, this is a Shi'ite state, or Alawi, and this other [state] is Christian?' These are definitions that will bring the region into turmoil. It also causes concern regarding the right of return, which is one Palestinian principle that none must discuss before we come to the negotiating table."
When I read stuff like this, I find myself seriously rethinking that transfer option. Sorry, but there's a limit.
