The Barghouti ‘myth’: Why Palestinians still want a leader they barely know - interview
Asked how it was possible that a man with limited communication to the Palestinian people could enjoy such popularity, Milshtein explained that it was his absence that allowed his popularity to grow.
Dr. Michael Milshtein, head of the Palestinian Studies Forum at Tel Aviv University's Moshe Dayan Center for Middle Eastern and African Studies, explains why imprisoned Fatah figure Marwan Barghouti continues to enjoy significant support among Palestinians despite serving five life sentences. Polls have consistently shown Barghouti to be the leading choice for the next Palestinian president, with 54% of the vote in the latest poll, well ahead of Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya and PA President Mahmoud Abbas, who received just 14%.
Milshtein attributes Barghouti's popularity to his "myth" status, which represents symbols, dreams, and aspirations among Palestinians, particularly the young. He also notes that the poor perception of alternatives, such as the failures of the Palestinian Authority and the struggling Palestinian economy, contribute to Barghouti's continued popularity.
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