9. (C) Zardari is equally upset that Makhdoom Amin Faheem, who held the same rank as Gillani within the party hierarchy at the time of Benazir's death, was taken both domestically and internationally as her legitimate successor. In meetings, Gillani has repeatedly pointed out that he held the position of Vice Chair longer than Faheem and should have been treated as the senior member and elevated to Senior Vice Chairman of the party. While Gillani respects Faheem and has no discernible personal rivalry with him, he has been avidly touting himself as an alternative for the Prime Ministerial office that Faheem covets. End Comment. PATTERSON "