Hussein al-Sheikh has been named vice president of the Palestine Liberation Organization, positioning him as a potential successor to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Al-Sheikh, a veteran politician and close aide to Abbas, is responsible for civilian affairs and serves as the primary contact with Israel. He has spent time in Israeli prisons and has credibility with Palestinian security figures. Al-Sheikh's appointment is part of Abbas' recent reforms to gain favor with the international community and secure a role in postwar Gaza. While he has good working relations with Israel and international connections, his position as successor is not guaranteed and will ultimately be decided by the PLO's executive committee.