Top Palestinian official in Jerusalem dies of heart attack in Kuwait.(Chicago Tribune)

JERUSALEM_Palestinians lost one of their most pragmatic and respected leaders Thursday when Faisal Husseini, the top Palestinian official in Jerusalem, died of a heart attack in Kuwait.

Husseini, 61, was the scion of an influential and controversial Jerusalem clan of mayors, muftis and nationalist fighters. A tireless campaigner for Palestinian rights and an outspoken critic of Israel, he also was known for reaching out to Israelis.

Many Israelis also were mourning Husseini. Although his provocative actions in Jerusalem often irritated Israeli leaders, some lamented the loss of a moderate voice and potential successor to Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.

"He was a pioneer in …