Nevertheless, Abbas remains the keystone of Western policy, such as it is. Because he doesn't preach terrorism, he looks good to the U.S. and the European Union -- and looks somewhat less than terrible to Israel. "Moderate," a word with the magical power of attracting money, has attached itself to him. Funds frozen when he shared power with Hamas are being released. On Wednesday, Germany announced it was transferring 20-million Euros to the PA, a declaration of confidence in Abbas.
Even so, almost all donors to the Abbas regime have misgivings. Among foreigners who have anointed him, no one expresses anything approaching enthusiasm. He has no charisma, no loyal personal following, no program for the future and not much political skill. Martin Indyk, an American ambassador to Israel under Bill Clinton, favours helping Abbas but acknowledges that he "doesn't have the capabilities to enforce his will. He is, as we all agree, I think, weak." He sulks when things don't go his way.
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