Israel to Release Prisoners in Gesture to 'Abbas; Possibly Including Barghouthi

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert plans to make a goodwill gesture to Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud 'Abbas in the form of a prisoner-release. The announcement was made as the two men met at the Israeli prime minister's official residence in Jerusalem on Wednesday. But how many prisoners and their identities is not clear. 'Abbas is known to have asked that jailed Tanzim faction leader Marwan Barghouthi be among them. Barghouthi, a popular figure who is often suggested as a successor to 'Abbas, is serving five consecutive life terms in an Israeli prison for terrorist murder. Palestinian negotiator Sa'ib 'Ariqat said the number to released is as high as 150, but that was unsubstantiated by anything said by Israeli officials. Another name whom 'Abbas is known to have raised is Ahmad Saadat, who was involved in the... [read full story]