The Peace Curveball

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The Electronic Intifada, a pro-Palestinian web site, has obtained and published a PR strategy document prepared for pro-Israel activists by Luntz Research Companies, which has provided similar polling and advice for Israel in the past. Ttitled "Wexner Analysis: Israeli Communication Priorities 2003," the document counsels pro-Israel advocates to keep invoking the name of Saddam Hussein because "Saddam is your best defense, even if he is dead." It also says that Yasser Arafat has been a great asset to Israel because "he looks the part" of a "terrorist." The emergence of Mahmoud Abbas as a potential replacement for Arafat "comes exactly at the wrong time," the document states. "His ascent to power seems legitimate. He is a fresh face, and a clean-shaven one at that. He speaks well and dresses in Western garb. He may even genuinely want peace. Just as President Bush had begun to make headway in drawing attention on the need for a reformed Palestinian leadership, the Palestinians throw us this curveball."