Small signs...

NYT, JERUSALEM, Sept. 4 - Palestinians began a voter registration drive on Saturday, a first step toward long overdue elections and a response to domestic and international pressure for more democracy, openness and accountability.

But the only scheduled voting is for 38 municipal councils, which will begin in December and extend in three stages for a year. The vote will be a test of strength between militant groups and the Palestinian Authority, led by Yasir Arafat, ahead of an Israeli pullout from the Gaza Strip next year..

It's too soon to know if this is really a sign of hope, but it's the sort of thing that doesn't come from inviting terrorists to the White House...and likely is a result of America throwing it's prestige and power into a push for democracy in the ME.

Posted by John Weidner at September 5, 2004 7:42 AM