Loading ...Why Palestinians Should Not Join the Abraham Accords: A Rebuttal to “President Joe Biden Should Invite Palestinians to Join the Abraham Accords”
By: Dr. Basel Yanes / Arab America Guest Contributing Writer
This rebuttal submission is a written response to Dr. Bishara Bahbah’s article entitled: “President Joe Biden Should Invite Palestinians to Join the Abraham Accords” from last week’s E-News and is submitted by Dr. Basel Yanes. Opinions expressed within the content are solely the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of Arab America or its affiliates.
A Rebuttal Response:
In a recent article in Arab America and Israeli newspaper Haaretz, Mr. Bishara Bahbah advocated Palestinians join the Abraham accord. “Joining this key new axis of influence would be a stunning pre-emptive strike by the Palestinians,” thus states Mr. Bahbah. This is the ultimate hubris mixed with, I dare say, ignorance. I am befuddled because he is an astute observer of Palestinian issues.
Claims of Inaccuracies:
There are some inaccuracies, which I suspect are not for lack of knowledge, as he states, “few hold out countries that are refusing the join the Abraham accord at this time.”The reality is few states did that. 4 out of 23 Arab countries, to be precise. At least two were bribed and cajoled. The article is filled with inaccuracies and wrong ideas that make me wonder why one with Mr. Bahbah’s knowledge of the conflict and writing skills would publish that.
Why Palestinians Should Not Join the Abraham Accords:
Asking the Palestinians to join the Abraham accord is very confusing; it is not logical. What is it he is asking them to join? The Abraham Accords is a catchy phrase for Tatbee’(the Arab word for Arab countries recognizing Israel and normalizing relations). It is not a club or association that can be joined. Furthermore, the Palestinians recognized Israel over 30 years ago and deal with the Israelis on a daily basis. I am at a loss what he is asking them to do that they already have not. It is more appropriate to ask Israel to recognize Palestine and extend the Accords to it if such a thing exists. “Palestinian participation would be a pre-emptive strike that would turn the notion and goals of the Accords upside down” again, Mr. Bahbah says. I am not sure whether to laugh or cry. This is an almost surrealistic statement.
Dr. Basel Yanes, a Palestinian American, is active with Arab American issues locally in Dayton, Ohio, and nationally. A hematologist and oncology physician for over 50 years, he received his medical degree from Damascus University Faculty of Medicine.
Opinions expressed within the content are solely the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of Arab America or its affiliates.
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