Arafat expected to continue struggle in order to remain in power:
jpost.com
(18:15) No change in IDF assessment of Arafat
There has been no change in a recently-formulated IDF intelligence assessment which says that Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat's position is secure, his control is strong, and that he personally is healthy and able to carry out his duties.
A senior official said that Arafat is preparing for a lengthy struggle and added that the Palestinian Authority is not crumbling.
The official explained that Arafat's position is stable because he is not seeking to calm things down. Rather, the official asserted, Arafat is communicating to the Palestinians a general message of struggle, the goal of which is to force Israel to accept the right of return.
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Btw, I also heard that comment about oil and Gold Dinar.. But what would be the ramifications for all of those USD denominated assets held by the rich Saudi Prince's like Aweed?
A move in gold would definitely trash the USD, although maybe being supportive of the Euro. However, a strong Euro is the last thing the EEU needs right now until they straighten out their economic structures. And any increase in the Euro would not likely mitigate the higher energy prices they would have to pay for with gold.
And the US would probably make a major impetus to weaning ourselves from foreign energy, leaving the Saudis prey for Saddam Hussein or his son, as well as the Iranians.
And China, which has relatively few gold reserves would suffer disproportinately by a rising POG and declining dollar. This would dovetail US and Chinese economic interests against the Arabs.
But I certainly don't discount the possibility of such a move. It is one of the few things that gold has going for it, should it come to pass.
Hawk |
