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Why Abbas should rethink Palestinian support for Islamic coalition

Some Palestinians see President Mahmoud Abbas' decision to participate in the Saudi-led Islamic coalition as a step to turn the world's attention away from their suffering under Israel’s practices.
Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz (R) walks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas during a welcoming ceremony upon Abbas' arrival to attend the Summit of South America-Arab Countries, in Riyadh November 10, 2015. REUTERS/Faisal Al Nasser - RTS6BUP
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Controversy and consternation surround Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' decision to participate in the Islamic Military Alliance, a Saudi-led coalition of 34 countries formed Dec. 15 to fight terrorism. 

According to some citizens, analysts and politicians, any military force affiliated with the official Palestinian regime in Ramallah should be tasked with defending Palestinians, particularly since they have been subjected to numerous attacks living under Israeli occupation since 1948.

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