In normal times, persistent pressure and the combined use of carrots and sticks generally softens most political leaders. But when dealing with a decades-long conflict like the Palestinian-Israeli one and with a stubborn leader like President Mahmoud Abbas, pressure often produces the opposite results.
The Palestinian leader’s position appears to have surprised the US president and his inner circle. Speaking to reporters Sept. 16, President Donald Trump revealed his financial pressure tactics toward the Palestinians. He bragged about his cutting off $750 million of annual support to Palestinians while pressuring Arab countries to follow suit.