The Hamas-Fata Debate and Edward Said

The Oslo process involved a recognition by the PLO of Israel's right to exist and the acceptance of a Palestinian state on 22% of historic Palestine./nThis recognition was a significant concession from the Palestinian point of view./nThe PLO accepted Israel's recognition of their right to negotiate on behalf of Palestinians, despite the imbalance of power./nEdward Said criticized the PLO's acceptance, arguing that they had sacrificed Palestinian rights for limited control over small pieces of land./nSaid's critique has been vindicated by subsequent events and mistakes made by both sides.