One of the most reliable lessons one gleans from observing intra-Palestinian politics is the need to always expect the unexpected. Important events have a tendency not to unfold according to plan. We should keep that in mind when considering Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas' sudden call for new parliamentary and presidential elections to be held on Jan. 24.
Less than three weeks ago, Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit announced that, at long last, the rival Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah would sign a reconciliation agreement in Cairo on Oct. 26. Egypt, as the mediator that helped craft the deal, planned to invite every Arab foreign minister as well as representatives of the United States, Russia and the European Union to the momentous occasion.
The date, of course, passed without an agreement. In fact, in the weeks since the announcement of the impending reconciliation, relations between Hamas and Fatah have become much worse.