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New Palestinian leader

21 November 2004, 18:00 PM
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
By Tahsin Hyder Maple Leaf International School, Dhanmondi, Dhaka
21 November 2004, 18:00 PM
. PHOTO: AFP
Yasser Arafat, 75, a true leader of the people, dreamt of an independent Palestinian state since he was a young man, but was unable to turn his dream into reality. He was not just doing his job as president but as a Palestinian victim struggling for freedom of his people. But on November 11 we saw the end of an era -- the death of Mr. Arafat, who was also known as Abu Ammar.

Now we need to look forward to a new Palestinian leadership. And I think Mahmoud Abbas is the man who must be elected President of Palestinian Authority.

Mr. Abbas who has strong views on the rights of Palestinians is not weaker than Yasser Arafat. He is a man known and regarded as one of the founders of the PLO. And if he becomes the leader, the eyes of Palestinians and Israelis will be on him, and his dealings. But at first he has to win the hearts and minds of the Palestinians.

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Mr. Abbas who is also known as Abu Mazen is considered an exponent of peace in the region. He is also respected by militant groups like Hamas, which is powerful in Gaza.

As a leader he will have to negotiate with Israelis and take part in discussions with the Israeli government, which will bring peace to the region. But it will be a tough job.