How Abbas handpicks his ambassadors
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas selects ambassadors based on their loyalty to him rather than their interest in furthering the Palestinian cause.
The Palestinian Authority (PA) is switching up some important diplomatic appointments, including its ambassadors to the United States and United Kingdom, causing speculation as to why, and once again raising criticism of the way ambassadors are named.
The Palestinian Maan News Agency wrote Oct. 18 that PA President Mahmoud Abbas reached the decision to change the diplomatic lineup after consulting with Foreign Minister Riyad Malki. Since then, Abbas has appointed new ambassadors to the United States, United Kingdom, the Netherlands and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
