Mahmoud Abbas (b. 1935), also known by the kunya Abu Mazen, is a prominent Palestinian politician who has served as the president of the Palestinian Authority (PA) since 2005 and as chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) since 2004.
A co-founder of the Fatah movement, Abbas has been a central figure in Palestinian politics for decades, navigating complex negotiations with Israel, internal factional rivalries, and international diplomacy. His leadership has been marked by efforts to establish Palestinian statehood through nonviolent means, though it has also faced criticism for alleged corruption, authoritarian tendencies, and controversial statements on historical events.
Early Life
Born in Safed during the British Mandate period, Mahmoud Abbas and family fled to Syria as refugees during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, an event Palestinians refer to as the Nakba. This displacement shaped Abbas‘s early experiences, instilling a commitment to Palestinian nationalism. In Syria and later Qatar, Abbas engaged in underground political activities, laying the groundwork for a career in activism. By the mid-1950s, Abbas was involved in organizing Palestinian groups, reflecting the broader diaspora efforts to unify against occupation.
Education
Abbas pursued higher education amid political turmoil. After completing secondary studies, Abbas earned a law degree from the University of Damascus. In the 1980s, Abbas studied at the Patrice Lumumba University in Moscow, where a doctorate was obtained with a dissertation titled “The Other Side: The Secret Relationship Between Nazism and Zionism.” This work has drawn significant scrutiny for its interpretations of historical events, though Abbas later distanced from some claims. The academic background provided Abbas with analytical tools applied to diplomatic strategies.
Political Career
Mahmoud Abbas co-founded Fatah in the late 1950s alongside Yasser Arafat, becoming a key strategist within the PLO. By the 1970s, Abbas advocated for dialogue with moderate Israelis, a stance that contrasted with more militant factions. This approach culminated in pivotal roles during peace processes.
In 1993, Abbas signed the Oslo Accords on behalf of the PLO, establishing the Palestinian Authority and outlining frameworks for self-governance in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Abbas also contributed to the 1995 Beilin–Abu Mazen agreement, an unofficial blueprint for final-status negotiations.
In 2003, under international pressure, Abbas was appointed the first prime minister of the Palestinian Authority. The tenure was brief, lasting from March to September, due to power struggles with Arafat over control of security forces and reforms. Resignation highlighted internal divisions within Palestinian leadership. Prior to this, Abbas headed the PLO‘s Negotiations Affairs Department, fostering ties with global actors.
Presidency
Following Arafat‘s death in 2004, Mahmoud Abbas was elected president of the Palestinian Authority in January 2005, securing 63% of the vote in a process observed internationally as fair. The initial four-year term was extended in 2009 by the PLO Central Council, citing constitutional provisions amid ongoing conflict.
This decision sparked debates over legitimacy, particularly after Hamas won the 2006 legislative elections, leading to a split: Fatah retained control in the West Bank, while Hamas governed Gaza. A 2014 reconciliation agreement briefly unified factions, recognizing Abbas‘s authority, but tensions persist.
Under Abbas‘s presidency, the Palestinian Authority joined the International Criminal Court in 2014, enabling investigations into alleged war crimes. Efforts to secure United Nations recognition included a 2012 upgrade to non-member observer state status. Domestically, Abbas has governed by decree, postponing elections in 2021 due to disputes over Jerusalem voting rights.
In foreign policy, Abbas met with Israeli leaders like Ariel Sharon to end the Second Intifada and pursued nonviolent resistance, though critics argue security cooperation with Israel undermines Palestinian unity. As of 2025, at age 90, Abbas nominated a temporary successor and created a vice presidential role, signaling preparations for transition amid health concerns.
Key achievements include economic reforms in the West Bank and diplomatic gains, such as expanded international recognition of Palestine. Challenges encompass the Gaza blockade, settler expansions, and internal corruption probes. In 2023–2025, during escalated conflicts, Abbas condemned violence against civilians and called for hostage releases, while demanding disarmament of militant groups.
Controversies
Mahmoud Abbas‘s leadership has not been without controversy. Allegations of corruption involve family members, with sons Yasser and Tarek amassing wealth through businesses tied to Palestinian Authority contracts, some funded by U.S. aid. A 2012 U.S. congressional report highlighted systemic issues in Palestinian governance.
Internationally, Abbas‘s dissertation and related publications have been accused of minimizing the Holocaust, prompting clarifications like a 2006 statement affirming it as a “terrible, unforgivable crime.” More recently, a 2022 remark in Berlin about “50 holocausts” by Israel drew global condemnation and a German investigation, later closed due to immunity. Supporters view Abbas as a pragmatic moderate; detractors see an autocratic figure whose prolonged rule stifles democracy.