Yasser Arafat (1929-2004)
Whatever one's opinion is about Yasser Arafat, he managed to put and keep the Palestinian cause on the map and embodied the hopes and aspirations of the Palestinian people. Do I think his death will change anything? Arafat's death now puts the spotlight and pressure on the Sharon government to most likely deal with the new leaders that emerge and to begin peace talks again. Peace with the Palestinians is the last thing in the world that the Israeli's want. I don't want to make general blanket statements about the Israelis and I will acknowledge that there are many who do not agree with their government's policies towards the Palestinian people and view them as they should be viewed: immoral, illegal, and inhumane. The Israelis have conveniently used Yasser Arafat as an excuse. I wonder what kind of excuse they will resort to now that he has died.
It was said of Yasser Arafat that he never missed an opportunity to miss an opportunity. I would hope this won't be the case with President Bush. The Palestinian people and their cause are not going to go away with the death of President Arafat. This is a loss that I trust will turn into a gain for the Palestinians whether Israel, or jerkoffs like Daniel Pipes, likes it or not.