As Arafat's legitimacy continues to falter, the popularity of Marwan Barghouti, another Fateh veteran, continues to rise. Known as the "leader of the Intifada," Barghouti has emerged as a key figure during the last 15 months of uprising. He is a vocal opponent of the Israeli Occupation and a watchful critic of the Palestinian Authority ­ a combination that has earned him widespread respect among Palestinians. Some believe that if Arafat should fall or choose to step down, Barghouti will be the successor.

Marwan Barghouti is a member of the Palestinian Legislative Council and the leader of Fateh's military wing. He was interviewed by Free Speech Radio News reporter, Raphael Krafft, in early December. They met at an undisclosed location in the West Bank, because Barghouti is in hiding from the Israeli authorities. Over the summer, he narrowly escaped several assassination attempts by the Israeli Defense Forces. And in early December, his house was stormed by Israeli soldiers. The raid came in apparent retaliation for an attack on a bus of Jewish settlers just days before.

Barghouti was captured by the IOF in April of 2002.

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