The ageing, ailing Palestinian leader does not do much governing

or so, the Palestinian president puts out something that resembles a proof-of-life video in which he is both kidnapper and captive. Mahmoud Abbas disappeared from public view for almost a week in early June. Social media were rife with rumours about his health. He surfaced on June 8th, delivering a speech by telephone and releasing photos of himself giving it: perhaps not hale and hearty, but at least alive.This is almost an annual routine for Mr Abbas, who at 86 has a history of heart problems and has had prostate cancer. In 2014, after reports of a stroke, he dragged photographers along as he browsed for baguettes in a bakery by the presidential compound.