MembersDemocracy? Not Exactly

One of the core ideas of the Middle East peace process was that the Palestinian state created alongside Israel would be a true, Western-style democracy.

By Ryan Jones |

None of the global peace brokers could legitimately support the birth of yet another Middle East dictatorship, or of a pseudo-democracy where elections are held only when it suits the rich and powerful, and where various armed groups compete for votes through violence.

 

But that is precisely what the Palestinian Authority has become.

 

The interim period built into the “Oslo” peace process was meant to give the Palestinians an opportunity to put in place the mechanisms of statehood, to lay the foundations of a free and democratic society.

 

At a briefing organized by the Jerusalem Press Club, Lt.-Col. Alon Eviatar, former Adviser for Arab Affairs to the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), provided an explanation as to why the Palestinian Authority has again postponed (and may yet cancel) local municipal elections.

 

“Local elections in the Palestinian Authority are a joke, but the drama surrounding...

Israel Today Membership

Become a Member

  • Read all member content

    Get exclusive in-depth reports from Israel.

  • Get exclusive in-depth reports from Israel

    Connect with Israel, right from your home.

  • Lift up the voice of truth and hope

    Support Jerusalem-based Zionist journalism.

Already a member? .