Abbas' moment of truth

Like a movie, with one handshake (albeit not a kiss), Donald Trump breathed life into Mahmoud Abbas and the Palestinian Authority he heads.

Just a few weeks ago, Abbas and the PA were seen as losing relevance. Across the PA, the focus was almost entirely on Abbas' successor and whether the PA was even useful or able to rule in light of its failure to counter Hamas' rising popularity -- but mostly because of its inability to operate a functional, effective and non-corrupt government system in the areas under its control.

Then came Trump with his tidings of Israeli-Palestinian peace -- the dream deal of a lifetime he is determined to broker -- and brought Abbas back to life, restoring the relevance he so badly needed.

It is entirely unclear, however, that Abbas is enthusiastic about the role of partner Trump has designated for him. This would explain why, in contrast to the cheerful welcome Trump received in Saudi Arabia, there was no atmosphere of euphoria in the PA ahead of his visit.

Unlike his predecessor Barack Obama, neither Trump nor his advisers have fallen for the Palestinians' charms, and they are not displaying the same warmness toward the Palestinian plight as the previous administration. With Trump, things are much simpler: Terror is terror, incitement is incitement, and Hamas is a bad guy who needs to be fought. There is no patience for the Middle Eastern bazaar style of negotiations, where the Palestinians set preconditions before even sitting down to discuss a peace agreement, which precludes such talks from ever starting.

But despite Trump's resolve, he is not all powerful. On his docket, also in the context of the Middle East, are many other problems that are no less pressing. He views Islamic State and radical Islam as an enemy that must be vanquished, and he even added Iran to the list as a gesture of faith to the Arab leaders he met over the weekend.

Abbas has to decide whether he wants to keep playing games, clinging to the futile hope that one day the international community, led by Washington, will force Israel to accept his ideal version of an arrangement, or whether, conversely and contrary to current assessments and expectations, he will join hands with Trump.

A great deal is riding on Abbas, but also on Trump, who has to put his cards on the table. Either Abbas will offer true partnership and commitment, or the president will shift his focus elsewhere, leaving Abbas to his fate.

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