Inheritance or a Legitimate Right?

Author: إبراهيم أبراش

It is the right of President Abu Mazen to care for his family and the interests of his children, as the presidency does not conflict with fatherhood, and it is the right of the president's sons to participate in political and organizational work. However... if the rumors are true - and until now they are merely speculations or gossip - indicating that Yasser, the president's son, will run for membership in the Central Committee of Fatah during the party conference this month, and that the president endorses this move, the situation would be different. It would then be said that the president is preparing his son for inheritance; this would affect the president's status and symbolism, which are held in esteem and respect, as well as the reputation and unity of Fatah, and it would not benefit Yasser, who has been distant from political and activist work and has been wholly dedicated to financial and commercial endeavors.

Moreover, the way Yasser has reentered the scene through social media, and the repeated images of him with security leaders and the head of the prisoners’ file, have been unfortunate and show a disregard for the people's and the movement's intelligence; as they portray him as the son who was lost from his family and indifferent to it for a long time before suddenly returning to it in adulthood.

Assuming the president's son reaches the Central Committee - in whatever manner - the path will be easier for him during his father's lifetime, but after the father's absence, Yasser will face many difficulties and challenges from the Fatah power centers, and even from those who endorsed his candidacy and from those closest to him. It would be safer and easier for the president – if he is determined to involve his son in political affairs – to pass him to the Executive Committee as he did with others.

The president can secure his children's economic interests by other means, as long as their activities are legitimate and do not conflict with the law.