> Michael, >If (when) he was to pass. Do you think it would improve the chance > for a peaceful resolution to the conflict there? Or at least give > more hope? When he passes, there will be chaos that may or may not result in a PA that wants peace, but it's doubtful. Let me explain: 1. All of the millions of dollars that are given to the PA by Israel (taxes), America, Europe, other Arab countries and everyone else goes directly through Arafat. In addition, the PLO (PA) has Billions (yes, that's a B) in assets around the world. All controled by Arafat. When he goes, there will be financial chaos as the PA tries to sort out the finances, who has what and where it all went (I'm not getting into that now). 2. Lets be blunt here. The Arab culture is based on tribe and strength. If you don't believe it, then go live in the middle east or interview some Arabs. The tribe is the family, but also the greater family. A man is the head of his house. He's part of a larger family unit. This is the main tribe. He's also part of an organization (Fatah for example). He's also a Palestinian. He's also an Arab. Israel is fantastic for the Arabs as it is a target for them to hate as Arabs. It pulls them out of tribal mentality into a larger 'pan-Arab' outlook. In addition, if your weak in the middle east, your a target. Maybe not for attack, but it's heavily based on dominance and submission. Look at Saddam. He murdered his own people, invaded other countries, did terrible things and he was a Arab hero because he's strong. Look at all the dictators ruling Arab countries. They're strong so they rule. Arafat was strong. He was smart. He played all of his enemies against each other. He made sure that people were paid in cash or position and he was the top dog, the strongest. With him gone, Palestinian society will break down into open civil war. Each smaller tribal unit, be it Hamas, Fatah, Islamic Jyhad, the PA government, or whoever will be jockying to be the next strong man, the next ruler. Israel will be attacked even heavier by different groups to show that they are strong. Arabs will be attacked to show dominance of one group over another. People everywhere will be killed. Yes, this will pass and a govenment will come out of the chaos, but the question is, will it be a govenment that wants peace. Will it be run by people willing to police their own population and stop attacks in return for Israel pulling out or will it be a government that promotes attacks? This is the question and I don't think anyone is wishing Arafat dead, no matter how much of a waste of life he is. No, I will not miss him when he's gone, but I will mourn for those who will die due to his passing.
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