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Are Trump team’s overtures to Palestinians serious?

After the failure of the Bahraini workhop, the Trump team is making overtures to the Palestinian president and suggesting the reopening of the Palestinian mission in Washington — but can this be taken serious?
A plaque remains on the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) office two days after President Donald Trump's national security adviser John Bolton announced that the State Department would close the PLO office in Washington, U.S., September 12, 2018.  REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque - RC1FFC939370

US officials involved in Middle East conflict have been busy of late making overtures to the Palestinians. After the failed Bahrain workshop and the Jerusalem tunnel sledgehammer public relations disaster, officials from the Donald Trump administration have begun a proactive campaign softening their position toward the Palestinians.

It began with the US president’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, saying President Trump “is very fond” of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. It has also included talk about the possibility of reopening the PLO representative office in Washington.

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