My impression about negotiating with Arafat:
1) He refused to give up the 6 guys implicated in the killing of the Israeli minister and permitted or promoted suicide bombings. Israel went after the terrorist infrastructure, successfully, esp in Jenin, one of the bomber HQs... with minimal collateral damage and once again, outdoing the Palestinians in the casualties. After losing dozens of lives, Arafat coughed up the 6, just to free himself from confinement. Yet the Palestinians celebrate this whole process as a 'victory'... and Arafat's support among his people grows.
2) The Arab allies in SA, Egypt and elsewhere insist that Arafat be recognized & negotiated with (despite the fact that some still refuse to recognize the entire nation of Israel.
3) Thus, Arafat has to be negotiated with, because his support is so strong, and we are willing to concede that point, for the moment, over Sharon's protests.
It reminds me of a puppy perpetually chasing its own tail though, for as much good as has come of it. And I still believe progress is impossible with Arafat & Sharon at the helms, so the circle game seems only to be for show.... a stalling tactic. |
