Mahmoud Abbas

Key Player: Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas

By PBS News Hour

Mahmoud Abbas became president of the Palestinian Authority in January 2005, intent on opening a new chapter in Palestinian-Israeli relations and restarting talks toward achieving goals under the road map to peace.

Palestinian President Fires Gaza Security Commanders

By PBS News Hour

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas fired top Gaza security commanders Thursday, hours after militants broke a 2-day-old cease-fire by firing dozens of mortars into Jewish settlements.

Israeli and Palestinian Leaders Lay Groundwork for Summit

By PBS News Hour

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said he is pleased by newly elected Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas' efforts to restore calm in the Middle East, as both sides continue to lay the groundwork for a summit to restart the peace process.

New Palestinian Cabinet Orders Halt to Militant Attacks

By PBS News Hour

New Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, backed by his cabinet, ordered Palestinian security forces Monday to stop attacks against Israeli targets by armed militant groups.

Sharon Severs Contact With Abbas Over Militant Attacks

By PBS News Hour

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon cut communication with newly elected Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas until the Palestinian leader takes action against militant groups, an Israeli government spokesman said Friday.

Abbas Declared Winner in Historic Palestinian Election

By Admin, PBS News Hour

Moderate former premier Mahmoud Abbas was declared the winner Monday in the election to replace the late Palestinian Authority leader Yasser Arafat.

Arafat Names Successor to Prime Minister Abbas

Yasser Arafat nominated Ahmed Qurei for the position of Palestinian prime minister Sunday, one day after former Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas resigned.

Palestinian PM Abbas Resigns; Hamas Founder Wounded in Strike

By Admin, PBS News Hour

Just days after asking the Palestinian Legislative Council for more authority to negotiate with Israel and the U.S., Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas resigned his post Saturday.

Palestinian Prime Minister Asks for More Power

Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas appeared before the Palestinian Legislative Council Thursday to ask that the government either give him the support necessary to move forward in implementing the U.S.-backed road map, or end his term.

Powell Urges Abbas to Restrain Militants

U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell said the Palestinian Authority must crack down more forcefully on militant groups such as Hamas and called on both sides to move "beyond" cease-fire negotiations.