Arafat deputy condemns violence: Uprising is rendered ineffective by use of arms, Fatah leader says
At least one Palestinian leader seems to be recognizing that suicide bombers are NOT, in fact, the way to effect change in the Middle East. While I'm glad to see that there is at least one courageous voice among the Palestinians, I'm wondering how long until this voice is silenced? Yassir Arafat is not known for tolerating dissent, so how long before he has someone lob an RPG into this guy's living room? Or simply have him assassinated altogether? This sort of thing has happened before, and Arafat has always found a way to quickly and effective any hint of dissent.
Personally, while I would never advocate violence, I do believe that Arafat is going to have to depart the scene for any effective change to take place in the Palestinian approach. Arafat's generation is and always will be know for it's "drive Israel into the Meditteranean Sea" mentality. It's a little late in the game for this leopard to be changing his spots. Until Arafat steps down, or is forcibly removed (or assassinated), NOTHING will change in how Palestinians conduct their "struggle". Until they show a willingness to work for peace like a civilized nation, they are going to reap what they sow.
Yitzhak Rabin once said "enough of blood and tears". I couldn't agree more. It's just too bad that Arafat can talk peace while doing his part to sow yet more blood and tears. Perhaps it's time for the Israeli government have Shin Bet teach Arafat that he cannot have it both ways.
UPDATE:
Just as I was finishing this post, I saw this:
Kenyan hotel bombing kills 15; missiles miss Israeli airliner
and this:
Five Israelis killed in bus station attack
I'll say it again: It's time for Israel to go to the source of the problem and remove Yassir Arafat- permanently and bloodily, if necessary. How much longer can we reasonably expect Israel to exercise restraint?
