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With the likely passing of Arafat

FreejackFreejack Jake the Not-so-Wise
in Zocalo v2.0
I am curious as to what everyone thinks as to how his passing will impact the Middle East peace process.

Its been thought that Arafat did not weld nearly as much power as he once did within the PLO. That's to say, whoever steps up to take his place will have a hard time exerting any real control over Palestine, specifically groups like Hamas. There is a real opportunity here, given two criteria (actually three, but one's unrelated to the PLO). The first criteria is that a reasonable leader steps up to the job, one that is wants to see the creation of a Palestinian state without the destruction of Israel, as does Ahmed Yassin, the leader of Hamas. The second criteria is that the transition to this new person is relatively peaceful. The third point I spoke up is a new Israeli PM, would be final component to clear the slat of much of the recent distrust that has developed between both sides.

If a new PLO leader can step up without bloodshed, and can a level of control over Palestine, then I believe a successful peace process and transition to a Palestinian nation would become much more likely that it was in the past.

Jake

Comments

  • Random ChaosRandom Chaos Actually Carefully-selected Order in disguise
    Arafat is both good and bad in his role. If you are to understand why I say this you have to look at where he came from. Arafat has fought in numerous terrorist organizations in Lebenon and elsewhere. He has inside connections to Iran's state sponsored terrorist organizations. However, about 10 years back he felt the political winds shifting against terrorism and so he shifted to politics, joined the PLO, and became it's leader. He still has all his old connections though.

    Now the reason he is good. Becuase of these connections he can request that they stop their activities - and for a while was successful at getting the the terrorist attaks decreased. But when peace was not working, he simply didn't have to say anything and the attacks started back up again.

    He was a blessing to Isreal becuase of his inside connections and a curse to Isreal becuase he could use those connections against them.

    I think in the end, him no longer in a position of athority with the Palistineans will bode well for the peace process, but it will mean bringing the terrorist organizations under control harder then if there was an inside person to deal with that had connections with them all.

    If you want some background on Arafat's connections, See No Evil by Robert Baer goes into Arafat in a few chapters.
  • BigglesBiggles <font color=#AAFFAA>The Man Without a Face</font>
    Arafat is very much a mixed bag, I think. However, I feel that his passing will be good for the peace process, assuming someone who doesn't want to destroy Isreal comes into power. But the other problem is Sharon. I think he's too hard-line to really work with the Palestinians properly, no matter who is in power.
  • Reaver4kReaver4k Trainee in training
    [QUOTE][b]. But the other problem is Sharon. I think he's too hard-line to really work with the Palestinians properly, no matter who is in power. [/B][/QUOTE]

    He has been trying to fix some problems but the people dont like it.

    I realy dont care if Arafat dies
  • RhettRhett (Not even a monkey)
    I think his death will bode well for the peace negotiations... why? bc I really can not see peace in the Middle East with him in power. Now how long will it take before a new leader rises to power (one that can actaully control things)- that is the good question. I hope that a moderate can come into power, and then perhaps there will finally be some progress made.
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