Mohammed Dahlan, a controversial figure in Palestinian politics, continues to generate interest and intrigue. Exiled in the United Arab Emirates for more than a decade, Dahlan established himself as a successful businessman and advisor to Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed. However, his name is often mentioned as a possible potential leader for the Palestinians in Gaza, in the event of Hamas being overthrown by Israel.
But who is Mohammed Dahlan really? Born in Gaza and considered a hero of the first intifada, he enjoys support from Israelis and Americans because of his positions favoring a two-state solution and his role in negotiations with Israel in the past.
However, Dahlan is far from a popular figure among Palestinians. He does not enjoy the same legitimacy as Marwan Barghouti, often compared to Nelson Mandela for his role in the Palestinian movement. Barghouti, currently imprisoned in Israel, has far greater fame and support than Dahlan.
Despite this, Dahlan has certain tactical advantages. He has connections on all sides, including among the current Hamas leaders, with whom he was in conflict during the 2007 civil war. Additionally, he is able to speak fluent Hebrew, acquired during his prison stay in Israel in the 1980s.
In exile, Dahlan managed to build an impressive network of influence. Through his ties to the UAE and the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, he has established relationships with influential figures around the world. From Egypt to Serbia, via Sudan, Dahlan has been able to forge links that give him considerable power of influence.
However, he is not without enemies. Within Fatah, the Palestinian political party, certain members, particularly in President Mahmoud Abbas’s entourage, view it unfavorably. Dahlan was forced into exile in 2011 after accusations of embezzlement, and he was convicted in absentia of corruption in 2016.
Despite these controversies, Dahlan remains a major player in Palestinian politics and continues to exert significant influence. It is often mentioned as a possible alternative in the event of a change of leadership in Gaza. Only time will tell whether Mohammed Dahlan will rise to the top of Palestinian power or whether he will remain a controversial figure behind the scenes in regional politics.