Key Highlights
- The article suggests that Marwan Barghouti is the most capable leader for governing a future Palestinian state and criticizes Mahmoud Abbas’s leadership.
- Barghouti was jailed in 2002 for alleged attacks on Israelis and has not yet been released, despite being considered by Palestinians as a hero and potential savior of their cause.
- Under the circumstances, Barghouti stands out as the best candidate to reform the Palestinian Authority and push forward with the two-state solution.
The Future of Gaza and the Palestinian Authority
Gaza’s future hangs in the balance, and the effectiveness of the Palestinian Authority (PA) is critically important for its governance and role in achieving a two-state solution. However, under Mahmoud Abbas, who has been leading since 2005, the PA has not proven to be effective.
Abbas’s Rise to Power
Abbas succeeded Yasser Arafat as president of the Palestinian Authority in 2005 after Arafat died in mysterious circumstances. Abbas was chosen by Fatah and supported by Israel and the United States, but he faced criticism from younger Palestinians who saw him as an “old horse” with a lengthy exile abroad.
The Case for Marwan Barghouti
Marwan Barghouti, despite being in Israeli jails since 2002, is seen by many Palestinians as the ideal candidate to lead the PA. He was a founding member of Fatah and had close relationships with Israeli politicians during his time in the Palestinian Legislative Council. In the 2005 election, Barghouti did not run but would have won, according to recent polls. Among those who said they would vote, Barghouti received 50% support compared to Abbas’s 11%.
Current Status and Advocacy
Barghouti remains in Israeli custody after being convicted of murder. His son Arab Barghouti has appealed for his release, stating that “my father is a politician, he is not a security threat.” A recent poll shows that if released, Barghouti would likely win the presidency against Hamas leader Khaled Mashal and Abbas.
The Need for Release
To effectively govern Gaza and move towards the two-state solution, releasing Marwan Barghouti is crucial. His release could provide a significant boost to the Palestinian Authority’s legitimacy and effectiveness in negotiations with Israel. The Israeli and American leadership should consider this step if they want to see progress on peace plans.
Given the current political climate and the need for reform within the PA, Marwan Barghouti stands out as the most capable leader to achieve these goals. His potential release is not only a matter of justice but also a strategic necessity for the future of the Palestinian state.
