Palestinian Billionaire to Run
A “billionaire industrialist” who was a friend of mass murderer Yasser Arafat is considering entering the occasionally lethal Palestinian political process: Power Struggle Broadens Palestinian Race.
Monib al-Masri, 66, a billionaire industrialist and longtime friend of Arafat, is considering running.
He believes a successful businessman could be just what the Palestinians_ who have seen their economy ruined during four years of violence — are looking for in a leader.
“A businessman knows how to succeed, to achieve goals and how to build a strong economy,” al-Masri said. “We need a man who can take care of our economic growth.”
Al-Masri has another trump card. The popular Islamic groups, while not running their own candidates, would be eager for the opportunity to bring down Fatah by voting for an independent.
“The Islamists and the (secular radical) camp will have a chance to topple Fatah and Fatah rule by supporting an independent candidate like Monib al-Masri,” said Palestinian analyst Hani al-Masri, who is not related to the industrialist.