History As It Happens: What Happened to the Palestinian Authority?
Episode Released: May 13, 2025
Host: Martin Di Caro
Guest: Omar Rahman, Fellow at the Middle East Council on Global Affairs

Introduction

In the May 13, 2025 episode of History As It Happens, host Martin Di Caro delves into the complex and tumultuous situation surrounding the Palestinian Authority (PA). Joined by Omar Rahman, a fellow specializing in Palestine, Middle Eastern geopolitics, and American foreign policy, the discussion navigates through the historical context, current crises, and the uncertain future of Palestinian governance.

Current Crisis in Gaza

The episode opens by highlighting the dire situation in Gaza, where President Mahmoud Abbas, aged 89, has effectively remained in power for two decades without holding elections. Rahman describes the current state as the "Palestinian people's darkest hour since 1948", with Abbas's recent move to appoint Hussein Al Sheikh as his deputy sparking debates over the PA's relevance and future leadership.

Omar Rahman [02:25]:
"Its leadership has been very quiet. It has certainly not led a defense of the Palestinian people as such in the face of this existential crisis. And that's been an absolute disaster to have no leadership, no one at the helm in this moment."

Decline of the Palestinian Authority

Rahman and Di Caro explore the gradual erosion of the PA’s authority, emphasizing Abbas's prolonged hold on power and the consequent lack of democratic processes. The guest articulates how the PA, initially intended as a temporary governing body post-Oslo Accords, has become increasingly disconnected from the needs and aspirations of the Palestinian populace.

Martin Di Caro [02:25]:
"The 89-year-old Palestinian leader may be in the news again today... but it is not clear what Mahmoud Abbas is the president of anymore."

Historical Context: Oslo Accords and PA Establishment

The conversation provides a thorough background on the Oslo Accords of 1993, which established the PA as a provisional self-government body meant to pave the way for a two-state solution. Rahman elucidates how the accords intended to grant Palestinians autonomy over specific regions while maintaining Israeli control over critical areas like borders and security.

Omar Rahman [23:57]:
"The Oslo Accords established a process for Palestinian self-government or autonomy, again, not to last more than five years..."

However, the lack of clarity on final status issues and the asymmetrical power dynamics between Israel and the Palestinians led to the undermining of the Oslo framework, contributing to the PA’s weakened state.

The Role of Hussein Al Sheikh

A significant portion of the episode focuses on Hussein Al Sheikh, whom Abbas appointed as his deputy. Rahman breaks down Al Sheikh's background, his close ties with Abbas, and his perceived alignment with Israeli interests, which has further alienated him from the Palestinian grassroots.

Omar Rahman [15:32]:
"Hussein El Sheikh is the right-hand man of Mahmoud Abbas...[He] oversees the pipeline of licenses and permits and visas... He doesn't have popularity, but he has power."

The appointment is scrutinized as a potential signal of Abbas grooming Al Sheikh as his successor, though opinions vary on whether this is a genuine attempt to secure leadership or a superficial move to appease Arab officials.

Fatah-Hamas Split and Its Consequences

The episode delves into the Fatah-Hamas rift, tracing its roots back to the 2006 legislative elections when Hamas emerged victorious, leading to a brief but violent civil conflict that resulted in Hamas controlling the Gaza Strip. Di Caro and Rahman discuss how this division has crippled Palestinian unity, leaving the West Bank under the PA's governance and Gaza under Hamas's control, thereby fracturing the intended single Palestinian polity.

Omar Rahman [48:43]:
"Both sides have become more authoritarian and repressive. Israel exploited that division in order not to return to the peace process."

The enduring split has prevented meaningful reconciliation efforts, exacerbating the PA's impotence and hindering progress towards statehood.

Internal Political Turmoil and Leadership Vacuum

Rahman articulates the profound internal crisis within Palestinian politics, highlighting Abbas's dependence on external donors and his strained relationship with Hamas. The lack of elections since 2006 and the PA's perceived alignment with Israeli interests have diminished its credibility and effectiveness.

Omar Rahman [49:37]:
"The Palestinian Authority has been absent, let's say, from the current crisis... it exposed the depth of the political crisis that Palestinians have been facing."

The appointment of Al Sheikh is viewed as Abbas's attempt to maintain control, but it has instead deepened the leadership vacuum, leaving Palestinians without a unified or responsive government.

Implications for the Future

The podcast underscores the grim prospects for Palestinians, with Gaza facing severe humanitarian crises, the West Bank experiencing de facto annexation by Israel, and the PA remaining largely ineffective. Rahman warns of potential internecine violence and calls for comprehensive political reforms and the restoration of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as the legitimate representative body.

Omar Rahman [51:51]:
"What needs to happen... there needs to be an attempt to restore representation, most likely within the PLO rather than the PA."

The absence of a cohesive leadership structure jeopardizes any future peace processes and perpetuates the cycle of conflict and suffering for the Palestinian people.

Conclusion

Martin Di Caro wraps up the episode by reflecting on the historical missteps and ongoing challenges that have led to the PA's current state of irrelevance. The discussion highlights the necessity for internal political renewal, genuine democratic reforms, and unified leadership to navigate out of the prevailing crisis.

Martin Di Caro [53:52]:
"Just having an election is not enough. There has to be work done before that... there are obvious questions over the efficacy of just holding elections within the PA itself and what the PA's future role is."

The episode closes with a somber outlook on the future of Palestinian governance and the urgent need for structural change to aspire towards a hopeful resolution.

Notable Quotes

• Omar Rahman [02:25]:
  "Its leadership has been very quiet. It has certainly not led a defense of the Palestinian people as such in the face of this existential crisis."

• Omar Rahman [15:32]:
  "Hussein El Sheikh is the right-hand man of Mahmoud Abbas...[He] oversees the pipeline of licenses and permits and visas... He doesn't have popularity, but he has power."

• Omar Rahman [48:43]:
  "Both sides have become more authoritarian and repressive. Israel exploited that division in order not to return to the peace process."

• Omar Rahman [49:37]:
  "The Palestinian Authority has been absent, let's say, from the current crisis... it exposed the depth of the political crisis that Palestinians have been facing."

• Omar Rahman [51:51]:
  "What needs to happen... there needs to be an attempt to restore representation, most likely within the PLO rather than the PA."

Key Takeaways

• The Palestinian Authority has lost its relevance due to prolonged autocratic rule, lack of elections, and internal divisions.
• Hussein Al Sheikh's appointment as deputy signifies Abbas's attempt to secure succession but raises questions about the PA's alignment and future.
• The enduring Fatah-Hamas split has severely weakened Palestinian political unity and stalled progress toward statehood.
• Internal political reforms and restoration of the PLO's role are crucial for any future reconciliation and effective governance.
• The humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the de facto annexation of the West Bank by Israel underscore the urgent need for comprehensive political solutions.

For more insights and detailed discussions, tune into the next episode of History As It Happens, where host Martin Di Caro explores the cooling tensions between India and Pakistan, featuring Anatol Levin of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft.

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