Mr. al-Masri, the Nablus billionaire, is one of the richest men in the Palestinian territories. He told the Jerusalem Post that Palestinians need to shift their focus from politics to economics and sports
Businessmen invest in politics
"RAMALLAH, West Bank — A group of West Bank businessmen is trying to establish a political party to tap into Palestinian disillusionment with Hamas and Fatah by challenging both.
Though other challengers to the Islamist Hamas and secular Fatah performed poorly in the last election, the businessmen think the feud between the two groups will persuade a growing number of Palestinians to look for an alternative the next time they vote......
The founders, who include Nablus billionaire Munib al-Masri, hope to sign up several hundred businessmen, academics and political activists by next month to formally begin the political movement. For now, the movement is being called "Muntada Falastin" or the Palestinian Forum......
Mr. Muslih said that, despite the influence and power of the business executives, they lack a constituency as well as a charismatic leader.
Mr. al-Masri, the Nablus billionaire, is one of the richest men in the Palestinian territories. He told the Jerusalem Post that Palestinians need to shift their focus from politics to economics and sports.
Sam Bahour, who owns a software consulting business, said he turned down an invitation to the movement's meeting in Ramallah yesterday....."Although I'm from the private sector, I don't think a common denominator of people frustrated with a situation is enough to create a political platform," he said. "Right now, the [Palestinian] program to end the [Israeli] occupation is at risk. That doesn't mean we turn our back on politics.""
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