The Leader Most Capable of Governing a Future Palestinian State is Languishing in an Israeli Jail

Amin Saikal, a renowned Middle Eastern studies expert, advocates for the release of Marwan Barghouti, a Palestinian leader who has been imprisoned in Israel since 2002. Barghouti's potential to reform the Palestinian Authority and unite Palestinian factions makes him the most capable leader to govern a future Palestinian state. His popularity among Palestinians, rivaling even that of the late Yasser Arafat, is rooted in his close relationships with Israeli politicians and his commitment to the Oslo peace process.

Key Takeaways:

• Marwan Barghouti, a Palestinian leader, has been imprisoned in Israel since 2002 for allegedly orchestrating attacks against Israelis and was sentenced to five consecutive life terms.
• Barghouti's popularity among Palestinians is rooted in his close relationships with Israeli politicians and his commitment to the Oslo peace process.
• In a recent poll, Barghouti would win a presidential election against other leading candidates, Hamas leader Khaled Mashal and incumbent Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
• Barghouti's release is seen as crucial to implementing the Gaza ceasefire and realizing the statehood aspirations of the Palestinian people.
• Amin Saikal, Emeritus Professor of Middle Eastern Studies, believes Barghouti is the most capable leader to reform the Palestinian Authority and unite Palestinian factions.

Statistics:

• 89: The age of Mahmoud Abbas, the incumbent Palestinian President.
• 2005: The year Abbas was elected to a four-year term as President of the Palestinian Authority.
• 20: The number of years since Marwan Barghouti was imprisoned in Israel.
• 50: The percentage of support Barghouti received in a recent poll among Palestinians who said they would vote for him in a presidential election.
• 35: The percentage of support received by rival candidate Khaled Mashal in the same poll.
• 11: The percentage of support received by incumbent President Mahmoud Abbas in the same poll.
• 20: The points in Trump's peace plan, including the second and third stages that Marwan Barghouti could potentially facilitate.

Sources:

• https://theconversation.com/the-leader-most-capable-of-governing-a-future-palestinian-state-is-languishing-in-an-israeli-jail-268375
• The leader's profile and history are taken from various available sources, including news articles and the University's profile.