Former Auburn basketball coach Bruce Pearl argues that political leadership, like sports teams, must be judged by results, and he contends that the Palestinian Authority has failed to deliver for its people. He points to protests against its leadership, allegations of corruption, postponed elections, and financial payments to individuals involved in attacks on Israelis as evidence of systemic dysfunction.

Pearl warns that tolerating this status quo out of fear that Hamas could take control only empowers more radical forces. Citing polling data and past election outcomes, he suggests that frustration with corruption has already boosted support for Hamas in areas commonly known as the West Bank.

As an alternative, he proposes a decentralized governance model that would shift power to local municipal and tribal authorities, arguing this could reduce corruption and prevent any single faction from dominating. He highlights a local initiative in Hebron seeking greater autonomy and regional economic integration as a potential example.

Pearl also calls for sweeping educational reform, saying current school materials promote hostility toward Israel and Jews. He maintains that combining local governance with educational deradicalization would create better conditions for economic growth, stability, and peaceful coexistence.