I really don't know what this man want! In Dec. of last year, Clinton offered him such a good deal that probably would not have received approval in Israel, and he refused it
He couldn't accept it.. Hamas and his Fatah militants would not permit him to actually make a peace treaty with Israel. This is all about "flapping their jaws" until the PA builds up sufficient military strength that they can threaten Israel from within and drag the rest of the Arab world into another war with Israel.
Everyone has known that Arafat couldn't truly make peace so long as he permitted militants to undermine his power base. But since he can't deliver economically (due to his corruption and self-enrichment) for the people, his power base is with the extremists.
This is why I'm theorizing that it's going to come to the point where the Israelis reinvade the West Bank and Gaza, and round up the militants. Only at that point can Arafat find the breathing space to negotiate in good faith. But unfortunately, he'll be negotiating from weakness and thus, his authority will be undermined as he is called a pawn of the Jews.
I don't envy Arafat (except his financial wealth). But I also feel he got himself into this position by not grabbing peace while he had the chance.
He could have had it all... independence, historical status as founder of the Palestinian state, billions in economic aid from the US and fellow Arab nations, and a lucrative trade relationship with the Israelis.
Now he faces economic and political ruin.
Hawk |
