So why is this self-inflicted?  The key piece of evidence is what the Palestinian leader is asking for from Israel: a cessation of settlements in the Gaza strip and a return to the indefensible 1967 borders.  I wonder where he could have gotten the idea that that was ever on the table?

Obama’s gaffe in May, that the talks should start “with the 1967 borders with mutually agreed swaps” certainly emboldened Abbas to ask for what was never on the table.  Add to that, Obama’s confused and counterproductive statements on settlements.  It’s clear that Abbas is trying to leverage Obama’s gaffe-a-day administration into an unsustainable position for Israel.  So congratulations, Obama, your speeches have finally had a real-life impact.