An essential act took place yesterday, which bodes well for the future of the Palestinian elections slated for Jan. 25th. After the White House intervened in some fashion, though it is not clear exactly what that involved, Israel relented and said Palestinians residing in East Jerusalem will be able to cast ballots for members of its Parliament.

East Jerusalem is crucial for those who dream of it becoming a Palestinian homeland capital, on the land taken by Israel in the 1967 war. While Hamas can be seen as the victor by Israel's action, it should be noted that the underlying resentment for decades within the Palestinian settlements has fostered attitudes that are represented by groups that use militant means to further their goals. That is why many have urged for the roadmap known as the Oslo Accords to resolve the outstanding issues. Time only hardens the divisions on each side and makes a final deal more difficult to attain.

The Palestinian authority is weak, financially unstable and politically splintered. These elections are not likely to stem the flow of red ink or allow for Palestinian leader Abbas to use the muscle required to bring illegal activities under control. That is too bad since real and firm leadership is required of Abbas. But elections bring at least some accountability, and in time those who cast a ballot will demand progress on those issues that they care about. In this way Hamas may be pressured to find the political process more advantageous than the militant avenues that bring only misery and frustration.

Israel, it also should be noted, may find that the Palestinian authority is not a working partner in the process for peace, so will work in a unilateral way to gain their own advantage. The wall being constructed around the territory it deems to be Israeli land may be their final statement on the matter. I suspect Israel does not understand the long term role of Palestinian elections, so the Jewish state will proceed in the fashion they always have. But that way is fraught with continued violence and a continuing entrenchment of moderate minds moving towards militancy, and finally into the abyss of endless bloodshed.