Yasir Arafat has remained the Palestinian leader for more than 30 years in part by not cultivating a long-term lieutenant, avoiding a threat to his pre-eminence by dividing up power beneath himself and encouraging rivalries among his top political and security aides.

That strategy has also left him without a clear successor. ... Despite Mr. Arafat's maneuverings, a varied, experienced group of potential leaders waits in the wings.