Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas: Overview of Internal and External Challenges

Publication Date: March 2006

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Government

Type:

Coverage: Palestine

Abstract:

On January 15, 2005, Mahmoud Abbas was sworn in as President of the Palestinian Authority (PA). Many believe that the Abbas victory marks the end of an autocratic era dominated by the late Yasir Arafat and the increased possibility of improved prospects for Israeli-Palestinian peace. On January 25, 2006, Hamas won a majority of seats in the Palestinian parliament and will now lead the next government. This report details Abbas's policy platform and potential challenges he may now face: the political relationship with Hamas, violent anti-occupation elements, post-withdrawal Gaza, calls for financial, judicial, and security reform, as well as a paralyzed economy. Abbas also faces multiple challenges in creating a viable Palestinian alongside a secure peace with Israel and re-defining Fatah, which is out of power for the first time. This report will be updated as necessary. For more information on the Palestinians, see CRS Report RL33269, Palestinian Elections, by Aaron D. Pina, and CRS Issue Brief IB91137, The Middle East Peace Talks, by Carol Migdalovitz.