Israel Rejects 'Palestinian Mandela,' Citing 'Terrorism'
Israel's refusal to release Marwan Barghouti is framed by AP as a rejection of a 'terrorist leader' convicted in 2004 for attacks that killed five. Curiously, the same AP article notes he's viewed by some as a Nelson Mandela, due to his advocacy for a two-state solution despite backing resistance to occupation. One might almost suspect the concern isn't terrorism, but the unification and political
legitimacy Barghouti could bring to a disempowered Palestinian leadership. Netanyahu's government has historically preferred a divided and weak Palestinian political front, rather than one led by a figure who might actually negotiate effectively from a position of popular support. The irony isn't lost: a leader who could potentially stabilize the region by rallying Palestinians behind a political
solution is precisely the one disqualified as a negotiator. It appears 'peace' is desired only on terms dictated unilaterally, not through dialogue with popular, unified representation. How many times have we seen alleged 'peacemakers' strategically sideline the very figures who could achieve it?