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Skunk · 03-25-2004, 06:23 AM

An UGLY AND EVIL MAN, isn't he?
Unlike his murdered predecessor, Rantisi didn't support the Oslo agreement, isn't willing to give up the right of return of refugees or put off the discussion on them and will only be happy WHEN ISRAEL CEASES TO EXIST.

As far as he is concerned, the Palestinian state should encompass the WHOLE of Israel and, unlike Yassin he isn't prepared to quit the attacks in return for Iraeli withdrawl from the occupied territories. He is the embodiement of the original murderous terrorist - and there are few people in the world that I loathe as much as him.

Upon reflection, Sharon may have had other reasons than simple political gain for the murder of Yassin.

Hamas, as you may recall, was an Israeli created organisation introduced to off-set the power base of Arafat's PLO. And for years the policy worked - the PLO and Hamas fought it out amongst themselves (weakening themselves in the process and thus diverting their attentions away from Israel). But after 1993 Yassin and Arafat came to an agreement and ended their hostilities preferring to take a more peaceful approach to the question of 'liberation'.

After the infitada began, Arafat remained opposed to suicide bombers while Yassin supported them - and while Arafat occassionaly put Yassin under 'House Arrest' as a result, the two sides remained relatively peaceful towards eachother.

With the appointment of Rantisi (who would never allow himself to be placed 'under arrest' and who scoffs at Arafat's more peaceful approach), old tensions might resurface. Maybe that is Sharon's gamble, hoping to divide his enemies and force them to turn on one another.

If so, I'm not sure that it's going to work - Arafat is in too weak a position to oppose Rantisi openly as he did with his predecessor. He lacks the security apparatus and, as a result of the manner of Yassin's murder, any action taken against Rantisi will be without the support of the populace. It would be political suicide. Consquently, Rantisi is likely to reign over terror without any worries of being hindered by Arafat.

Let's hope that Sharon doesn't kill off Arafat too - there are plenty of Rantisi charactors kept in check by Arafat who would love to have a shot at killing for the pure pleasure of the act....

[ 03-25-2004, 06:25 AM: Message edited by: Skunk ]

03-25-2004, 06:23 AM	#2
Skunk Banned User Join Date: September 3, 2001 Location: Amsterdam, The Netherlands Age: 63 Posts: 1,463	An UGLY AND EVIL MAN, isn't he? Unlike his murdered predecessor, Rantisi didn't support the Oslo agreement, isn't willing to give up the right of return of refugees or put off the discussion on them and will only be happy WHEN ISRAEL CEASES TO EXIST. As far as he is concerned, the Palestinian state should encompass the WHOLE of Israel and, unlike Yassin he isn't prepared to quit the attacks in return for Iraeli withdrawl from the occupied territories. He is the embodiement of the original murderous terrorist - and there are few people in the world that I loathe as much as him. Upon reflection, Sharon may have had other reasons than simple political gain for the murder of Yassin. Hamas, as you may recall, was an Israeli created organisation introduced to off-set the power base of Arafat's PLO. And for years the policy worked - the PLO and Hamas fought it out amongst themselves (weakening themselves in the process and thus diverting their attentions away from Israel). But after 1993 Yassin and Arafat came to an agreement and ended their hostilities preferring to take a more peaceful approach to the question of 'liberation'. After the infitada began, Arafat remained opposed to suicide bombers while Yassin supported them - and while Arafat occassionaly put Yassin under 'House Arrest' as a result, the two sides remained relatively peaceful towards eachother. With the appointment of Rantisi (who would never allow himself to be placed 'under arrest' and who scoffs at Arafat's more peaceful approach), old tensions might resurface. Maybe that is Sharon's gamble, hoping to divide his enemies and force them to turn on one another. If so, I'm not sure that it's going to work - Arafat is in too weak a position to oppose Rantisi openly as he did with his predecessor. He lacks the security apparatus and, as a result of the manner of Yassin's murder, any action taken against Rantisi will be without the support of the populace. It would be political suicide. Consquently, Rantisi is likely to reign over terror without any worries of being hindered by Arafat. Let's hope that Sharon doesn't kill off Arafat too - there are plenty of Rantisi charactors kept in check by Arafat who would love to have a shot at killing for the pure pleasure of the act.... [ 03-25-2004, 06:25 AM: Message edited by: Skunk ]