By Salah Montasser * The signing of the third interim agreement in Washington this week marks a most critical phase for the Palestinians. In accordance with the agreement, the principle of land for peace has been replaced with that of a piece of land for the Palestinians in exchange for total security for the Israelis. Any agreement, of course, cannot achieve all the aspirations of all the parties. But it is common practice that both parties make mutual concessions. The Wye Accord, however, requires that the Palestinians fulfil most of their commitments first; when the Israelis are satisfied, they will begin to fill their side of the bargain. Unfortunately, the price the Palestinians are required to pay in advance is one that may lead to a civil war between the PNA and all the groups opposing the new agreement, whether Hamas, Jihad or even members of Fatah. The accord stipulates that Arafat must clip the wings of the Palestinian resistance, in deed (for Hamas and others), in intention (articles of the Palestinian National Covenant), in education (by changing the school curriculum) and in the media (by suppressing opposition in the press). The CIA, furthermore, will play the role of observer and supervisor in the implementation of all Israel's security demands. This entails arresting a substantial number of Palestinians, confiscating weapons, and reducing the PNA's security forces. This is, of course, a recipe for civil war -- exactly what Netanyahu is betting on. *This week's Soapbox speaker is a columnist at Al-Ahram.
