A Non Event

This is a laugh. The man has been sworn in today and before even this event takes place the Fat Butcher has cut off all contacts with his "government..." I mean, Abbas hasn't even stepped in to take charge and the Israeli Government has already made it clear that they will not communicate with him or cooperate with him in any way... Sounds like a deja vu and we will continue to see a non-process in the region.

Abbas Is Sworn In as Palestinian Leader

"In a brief ceremony in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Mr. Abbas struck a mostly conciliatory note and called for a cease-fire with Israel after more than four years of violence.

'Our hand is extended toward an Israeli partner for making peace,' Mr. Abbas said at the Ramallah compound where his predecessor, Yasir Arafat, was confined for the final three years of his life. 'We are seeking a mutual cease-fire to end this cycle of violence.'

Mr. Abbas reiterated the goal of establishing a Palestinian state that would include the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, with a capital in east Jerusalem and a 'just' settlement for Palestinian refugees."