It would not make sense for Arafat to keep Palestinian finances within the borders of Palestine. Israel has already knocked over (literally) most of the banks.
An Arab accountant, familiar with Arafat's finances, as well as others, have documented Arafat's finances. 60 minutes did a piece on it and you may be able to get to it on their website. Apparently, Mr. Arafat has people who know the ins and outs of Swiss banks.
The Russian Jews were not religious. The Settlements had a more religious, admittedly extremist, origin. Even if you are correct, and I don't believe you are, I think going forward it does not matter as most settlements will be gone. Irrespective of what came first, this does not justify the terrorism and the use of suicide children and suicide lost souls by the Palestinian leadership.
Going forward, Israelis are willing to abandon most of the Settlements. It will be tough internally. If the Palestinian leadership really wanted peace and a nation, rather than feathering their own nest, they would take advantage of world opinion now, declare and enforce a cease fire and see if Israel responds. I guess it is pretty laughable to think they might do that. IMO, it would be brilliant, again, if the goal is peace and a nation. |
