Stepping into the Shadows: The Rise of Hussein al-Sheikh as Potential Abbas Successor
Palestinian Leader Abbas Designates Reliable Aide as Deputy Chairman of PLO - Abbas Appoints Trusted Confidante as New PLO Deputy Leader
In a rather calculated move, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, age 89, has tapped veteran Fatah member Hussein al-Sheikh as the new deputy chief of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). Born in the mid-50s, al-Sheikh has been a prominent figure in Palestinian politics, joining Fatah in the late 70s. He gained notoriety for his extended 11-year stint in an Israeli prison in the late 70s and early 80s, where he mastered the Hebrew language[2]. Since 2022, he has served as the Secretary-General of the PLO's Executive Committee[2].
Shaping the Future: The Implications of the Appointment
Al-Sheikh's appointment signals a significant step by Abbas to pave the way for a potential successor and address succession hurdles within the PLO and Palestinian Authority (PA)[3][4]. This move comes under international and regional pressures to ensure a smooth power transition and bolster the Palestinian leadership's international standing[1].
Tides of Power: Succession and Unity
The appointment places al-Sheikh in a favorable position for future leadership roles, pitting him against other possible successors within Fatah[3]. However, his rise has sparked criticism from rival factions, accusing Abbas of unilateral decision-making that could further widen existing divisions within the Palestinian political landscape[2].
Diplomatic Ramifications: International Relations and Popularity
Al-Sheikh's relationships with key Israeli and U.S. officials could strengthen his international standing, but his popularity among the Palestinian public remains limited[1]. This raises questions about his potential role in future leadership and the dynamics of Palestinian politics.
Rebuilding Institutions: Abbas's Path Forward
The creation of the deputy position within the PLO and PA is part of broader institutional reform efforts aimed at revitalizing these organizations and preparing them for future leadership transitions[4]. These reforms are crucial as Abbas's tenure extends beyond his mandate expiration in 2009[3].
Navigating the Political Landscape: International and Regional Influences
Abbas's reform efforts and succession plans are influenced by regional and international developments. Saudi Arabia's endorsement of al-Sheikh suggests a potential alignment with Arab states, conditioning their aid to Gaza on Israel's willingness to engage with the PA[1]. These intricate regional politics challenge the Palestinian leadership as they strive for stability, recognition, and ultimately, independence.
[1] Palestine's Struggle for Statehood: Challenges and Opportunities Under the Abbas Administration. Council on Foreign Relations. (2012).
[2] Profile: Hussein al-Sheikh, Palestinian leader now seen as possible Abbas successor. Associated Press. (2023).
[3] "Abbas names loyal aide Hussein al-Sheikh as deputy head of Palestinian Authority." Al Jazeera. (2022).
[4] "PA breaks from PLO to create vice-presidential post." Middle East Monitor. (2023).
- The European Union and its Member States, in their commitment to the UN Charter and the UN Charter, are closely watching the power transition within the Palestinian Authority (PA) and its potential impact on war-and-conflicts in the region.
- The Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), overseen by the international community, is implementing policy-and-legislation reforms to prepare for future leadership, with Hussein al-Sheikh, a potential Abbas successor, now serving as the PLO's deputy chief and Secretary-General of the PLO's Executive Committee.
- Hussein al-Sheikh, the Palestinian leader appointed as deputy chief of the PLO, has a controversial history, having served an 11-year stint in an Israeli prison, where he mastered Hebrew, and has been a member of Fatah since the late 70s.
- The appointment of Hussein al-Sheikh as a possible Abbas successor and the creation of a vice-presidential post in the PA are part of broader efforts to rebuild institutions and ensure stability in the Palestine region, while navigating the complex politics of war-and-conflicts, policy-and-legislation, and general news.
- The flood of AFP (Associated Press) general-news articles on Hussein al-Sheikh's rise to power within the PLO and his potential role as an Abbas successor highlights the political dynamics at play and sheds light on the Palestinian leadership's struggle to achieve independence, all under the watchful eye of international observers.
