Monday, April 28, 2025

Palestinian Leaders Play Musical Chairs To Dupe Western Donors

 The appointment of al-Sheikh needs to be seen in the context of Abbas's effort to dupe the international community into believing that he is serious about reforming the PA and sharing power. Abbas's main goal is to rid himself of the image of an autocrat and present himself as a reformist and democrat, so that Western donors will continue to pour money on him – foolishly with no conditions.

 Those who think that al-Sheikh would be different from Abbas are clueless. Al-Sheikh, a vteran member of Abbas's ruling Fatah faction, is an exact replica of his boss. Abbas and he share the same positions on almost every issue related to Israel. Both have always used harsh rhetoric to condemn and vilify Israel, especially in the international arena.

 Al-Sheikh may not represent the old guard in the Palestinian leadership, but his statements and positions reflect those of Abbas and the old guard. The Palestinians need real reforms that will end the corruption in PA institutions and remove corrupt and incompetent officials. The last thing they need is a new game of musical chairs designed to deceive both the Palestinians and the international community.

 For full report by Khaled Abu Tomeh see https://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/21577/palestinians-hussein-al-sheikh-musical-chairs

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