Abbas wins election in landslide

He's not perfect but he'll do. Anyone that was willing to quit because Arafat was an impediment to peace is OK in my book. Hopefully, the founder of HAMAS will be able to reconcile enough of the problems between the Palestinians and Israelis that some measure of stability can be established. A man can dream can't he?

RAMALLAH, West Bank - Mahmoud Abbas was elected Palestinian Authority president by a landslide, results showed Monday, giving the pragmatist a mandate to resume peace talks with Israel — but also leaving him with the tough task of reining in powerful armed groups.

Israeli leaders welcomed Abbas’ victory, but said they will watch closely how hard he tries to subdue militants. Abbas could easily lose his political capital over a major bombing or shooting attack, and while most militant groups signaled they are willing to give him a chance, not all have signed on to a truce with Israel.

Still, Abbas’ victory held out the promise of a new era after four decades of chaotic and corruption-riddled rule by Yasser Arafat, who died Nov. 11. Abbas, who has spoken out against violence and has the support of the international community, promises to reform the government and the unwieldy security services.

Many Palestinians had high expectations of Abbas, widely known as Abu Mazen. “Today is the beginning of a new future,” said Sami Radwan, 55, a restaurant owner in Gaza City. “Abu Mazen is the right choice. He is the one who can bring us peace, good business and security.”

“The election is our weapon to change our life,” added Souad Radwan, a 46-year-old teacher from the Gaza refugee camp of Jebaliya, whose house was demolished in an Israeli raid. “We are