رئيس السلطة الوطنية الفلسطينية
In 2005, while facing federal charges, Ashqar ran in the elections for the President of the Palestinian National Authority, running "in absentia" from his home in Virginia. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation described Ashqar as one of eight "long-shot" candidates in the 10 man race. Ashqar placed 4th, with 2.76% of the vote.