Is high-profile Meshaal setting stage to lead Hamas again?
The growing political activity of former Hamas politburo chief Khaled Meshaal has prompted some to believe he is either planning to return to Hamas leadership or enter the expected presidential election in the Palestinian territories.
The name of one-time Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal has been popping up lately in speculation that he is considering a return to head the group or even a run for president of the Palestinian Authority (PA). Meshaal, however, has made no such announcement.
Gal Berger, an expert on Palestinian affairs for Israel’s Kann News, tweeted Dec. 25 that former Hamas politburo chief Meshaal wants to retake the reins of Hamas in the movement's next internal election, with the support of Qatar and Turkey. This would be bad news for Israel, since the movement’s decision-making would thus come from outside the Palestinian territories, over which Israel wields significant control. Meshaal resides in Doha, Qatar.
