Carlos Mesa vs Ghazi Hamad

Before and after his presidency, Mesa worked as a historian and author, writing extensively on Bolivian history. His works include 'Presidentes de Bolivia' and other historical texts.

Carlos Mesa was elected vice president of Bolivia under President Gonzalo S

After Sánchez de Lozada resigned during the Gas War, Mesa became president of Bolivia. He served from 2003 to 2005, inheriting a deeply divided country.

Mesa held a national referendum on Bolivia's natural gas policy, which resulted in a vote to increase state control and export gas. However, the referendum did not resolve political tensions.

Mesa resigned the presidency in 2005 after months of protests and political deadlock over gas policy and autonomy demands from wealthy regions. His resignation led to early elections.

Hamad became the official spokesman for Hamas, representing the organization in media and diplomatic engagements. He articulated Hamas's positions during the 2006 election victory and subsequent conflicts with Israel.

Hamad headed a Hamas delegation to Cairo for ceasefire negotiations after the 2014 Gaza War. The talks resulted in an Egyptian-brokered truce, though key demands like lifting the blockade were not met.

Hamad wrote an op-ed in The New York Times defending the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. The article sparked international controversy and was criticized by many governments and media outlets.