The Lebanese newspaper al-Ahbar reported on Tuesday that Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama told Palestinian Authority chairman Mahmoud Abbas during his visit to Ramallah this summer that he supports a PA state and Arab rights in eastern Jerusalem. According to sources in Ramallah cited by the newspaper, Obama asked to keep his declaration a secret.
The sources say Abbas and PA Prime Minister Salam Fayad are hoping for an Obama victory. Hamas sources quoted by the newspaper said Arabs fear new wars breaking out in the Middle East if Republic candidate John McCain wins, but not if Obama wins.