Salam Fayyad

Salam Fayyad is the current prime minister of the government of the Palestinian National Authority in the West Bank.BBC: Profile: Salam Fayyad (June 17, 2007)

On March 7, 2009, Fayyad said that he would resign his government, to take effect no later than the end of March. By closing down his government, Fayyad hopes to facilitate the creation of a unity government of Palestine between the two major parties Hamas and Fatah.New York Times: Premier Quits to Help Unify Palestinians (March 7, 2009) Telegraph: Palestinian PM Salam Fayyad resigns (March 7, 2009)

Fayyad was trained at the University of Texas and had a flourishing career in business before he took over as the financial minister in the new Palestinian Authority, reportedly at the urging of then-Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.Haaretz: Salam Fayad: Everyone's favorite Palestinian (April 1, 2007)

He instituted several reforms in the financial system, and clashed with Yasser Arafat; at the same time, he maintained a close relationship with President George W. Bush, who he had met at the University of Texas.Haaretz: Salam Fayad: Everyone's favorite Palestinian (April 1, 2007)

When Fayyad resigned, it stirred fears in the region, coming as it did days after international donors pledged assistance to the West Bank. Fayyad said he hoped that his resignation would help efforts to create a united Palestinian government with Hamas and Fatah.New York Times: Premier Quits to Help Unify Palestinians (March 7, 2009)