Arafat.... is it close curtains?

[Avatar]

So what do you Ironworkers think of the new Bush policy on USA not supporting an Arafat led Palestainian new state (should there be one).

I mean now that Arafat has called for a general election, the US government seriously run the risk of Arafat getting re-elected thus saying that the USA not supporting Palestine.

The only populor successor to Arafat is currently in an Israeli high security centre for terrorist charges.

What has our wonderful Mr. Bush done? And do you think Arafat should go and whether Palestaine should be allowed into a free state?

[johnny]

Arafat is a terrorist, but i think if they got rid of him, someone worse will appear and take over. I'm sorry, but i can't seem to find any good words for the Palestinians.

[skywalker]

I think it's the Palestinian people who should choose their leader and I think Bush opened his mouth too soon. I think the Muslims will continue to interpret this as the US taking Israel's side.

I've taken each side in turn and this whole thing is such a big mess, I don't know what I think anymore.

One last point, if the Palestinian people were armed nearly as well as Israel, would there be suicide bombings and Israeli incursions into Palestine lands? I don't think so, there is too much imbalance there.

Mark

[Calaethis Dragonsbane]

I personally dont know what to think except that America should keep its nose outa palastine. perhaps it SHOULD defend Israel but its just gonna argrivate the Muslims if they keep trying to force their will upon it. the Muslims ALREADY dont like America; Bush is only gonna make it worst. besides, Arafat is dying anyway...

[Kakero]

Arafat doesn't seem to be stopping terrorism, he also doesn't seem to be able to make an independent state for palestine. he should step down and make way for capable leader to handle the crisis. but currently I find it hard to be materialized.

[Ar-Cunin]

Arafat will continue to lead the palestinians for as long as he's physically able - he wants to be the first leader of an independent palestinian nation.

The statement from Bush won't help - it just means that any internal opposion to Arafat (towards a more concilliatry position) will be branded a 'lackey' of USA and an enemy of Palestine.

Arafat have just called for election in january 2003 (the first since 1995) - and there is no real opposion to him, other than from the extremists in Hamas and similar organisations. Whether the elections can be held (under islaeli occupation) will remain to be seen.

The best thing that can happen now is for Arafat to die of natural causes - then his successor might be able to get a fresh start on reviving the peace-process.

For a change won't come from Israel - the continued suicide-bombings have all but destroyed the israeli peace-movement. When your country is at 'war', it is hard to critisize it's leadership.

Perhaps a complete separation of the two sides - exemplified by the wall that is being constructed between Israel and the West-bank is the only hope of the future - sad as it seems.

[Neb]

I think it would be good if Arafat was gone and another leader was put in his place, of course one that didn't say: "I'm working against terrorism!" And then either doing nothing about it or actually supporting it. However much it might piss people off I'm siding with the Israeli's in this conflict. Not to say that they're perfect angels, both sides are responsible for this.

Palestine should be allowed to be a free state.... If they get a proper leader instead of Arafat.

Oh and allow me to go comatose from laughter after hearing: "Wonderful Mr. Bush"

People are probably going to shout at me for posting this link:

http://flem.keenspace.com/d/20020518.html

But I don't care, it has the same opinion of Bush as I do

[Calaethis Dragonsbane]

...

thats not very nice neb...................funny tho

[Avatar]

Yes the general concensus on the streets of palestaine are that USA is plotting against Palestaine people and are thus pushing more people to support Arafat.

[Scholarcs]

Originally posted by Neb: Oh and allow me to go comatose from laughter after hearing: "Wonderful Mr. Bush" People are probably going to shout at me for posting this link: http://flem.keenspace.com/d/20020518.html But I don't care, it has the same opinion of Bush as I do

I agree with you Neb, he does look a little funny

On the issue of Arafat: What right does the United States have which says they are allowed to choose the leaders of other countries? Arafat has called for democratic elections, if the United States attempts to move Arafat out of power, this will be a huge blow to democracy and free will. If the people of Palestine want Arafat, they will get Arafat. If they don`t want Arafat, they won`t get him. If Georgy Bush doesn`t want Arafat, then all he gets is the one finger salute.

Arafat is not a terrorists, he is trying his best to stop it. However he has no rein on the extremists. If someone else who would co-operate with the Americans was elected, then they wouldn`t be able to stop terrorism either.