POLL: Arafat's Imminent Death...

Obviously, the man is a lunatic. However, we do not know what we're going to get after he's gone. What do you think - will his death help improve or seriously erode the situation in Israel?

Re: POLL: Arafat's Imminent Death...

I chose 'Other' because it really depends on who becomes the front man for the Palestinians and how Isreal and the US react. If Sharon & Co. take it as signal that they can run over the Palestians and the US lets them it could be a disaster. If, on the other hand, a new leader emerges for the Palestinians who can energize them and move them toward peace, it could be a blessing.

EAT: It's not really fair to call this man a lunatic. Anyone who has studied his life would know that is way out of line. It may be fair to say that he can no longer be useful to the peace process and should have passed leadership on a while ago, but he has served as an important leader for the Palestinians for years. I have some very good friends who are Palestinians and this is the sentiment they have passed along to me; I would consider them experts.

Re: POLL: Arafat's Imminent Death...

I'm really not sure what's going to happen, and it makes me nervous. It really depends on who Arafat's successor is and how the Israeli government responds...

Re: POLL: Arafat's Imminent Death...

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Posted by lesleyw
If, on the other hand, a new leader emerges for the Palestinians who can energize them and move them toward peace, it could be a blessing.

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Wouldn't that be absolutely wonderful??? I guess I'm a cynic though, I don't know if that person exists over there right now. And I'm not picking on Palestine over Israel - I don't know if that person exists for the Israel side either.

Here's to hoping!

Re: POLL: Arafat's Imminent Death...

I really hope we will see peace soon. I feel so personally tied to this issue, because my best friends growing up were Palestinians and my husband is Jewish, so I see both sides.