The PLO and then the PA have had one political disaster after another since the 1988 Algiers PNC, the 1991 Madrid Conference, and the Oslo/White House agreement in 1993 — all of which were said to be leading to a Palestinian State but about which Israel and the U.S. continually lied and deceived. Mahmoud Abbas was a key player helping bring about all of these Palestinian disasters, and then with Israeli and American help took over after the stealth assassination of Yasser Arafat in 2004…something he actually played a role in bringing about and even a more major role in covering up.
Now the battle for succession is well underway with the CIA/Mossad choice, Mohammed Dahlan, maneuvering to take power as the death of Abbas approaches. Dahlan has been prepared for the position for a very long time in fact. The US and Israel specialize in grooming and installing Arab leaders. Among their biggest successes, Abdullah in Jordan, Sisi in Egypt, MBS in Saudi Arabia, and so many lesser known political coups. They have had a few major failures — Syria, Afghanistan, and Turkey at the top of that list so far.
Making sure they have control on the international stage of who is said to be the Palestinian leader is of considerable importance to the US and Israel; even if the PA leadership is not only viewed with disdain by most of the Palestinian population, but actually as collaborationist. But with enough money, weapons, and CIA/Mossad connivance, the US and Israel have already assured themselves they have near total control of the PA and the remnants of the PLO.
Mark Bruzonsky 