Abbas, 90, Positions Son Yasser for Senior Fatah Role as Succession Pressure Mounts
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · May 15
Abbas, 90, Positions Son Yasser for Senior Fatah Role as Succession Pressure Mounts
6 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 15
Six Palestinian officials said Mahmoud Abbas is maneuvering to elevate his son Yasser into a senior Fatah leadership post, opening a new path to preserve influence over the Palestinian Authority.
Abbas, 90, has led the Palestinian Authority since 2005 and kept a tight grip on power by sidelining rivals, weakening judicial checks and canceling elections after his term formally expired in 2009.
For many Palestinians, the move reinforces accusations of corruption and signals Abbas does not intend to loosen control despite broad public demand for new leadership.
Yasser Abbas declined to be interviewed and did not answer written questions, while Mahmoud Abbas's office did not respond to requests for comment.
With Abbas promoting his son, will Fatah's old guard challenge the succession or simply fall in line?
Amid calls for reform, will this dynastic move trigger international sanctions or just empty condemnation?
Is the Palestinian Authority becoming a family business instead of a path to statehood?