Word: arafats
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...leaders in the world have managed to attach their destiny so firmly to the destiny of their people. Arafat was one of them. It has become virtually a habit of the mind to think of Arafat when thinking about the Palestinians. It will take a long time before the world forgets the frail face wrapped in the traditional Palestinian white and black kufaya. That face has brought the Palestinian cause from beneath the rubble to the center of international attention. Despite controversies that have become defining characteristics of his public career, very few deny Arafat’s crucial role...
...legend has come to an end, and it’s time to think of someone who can fill his shoes. Arafat had a miraculous ability to unite all Palestinians despite their differences. The secular, the religious, the leftist, the rightist, the capitalist and the Marxist all had different problems and conflicts of interests with each other and with Arafat. But at the end of the day all came and acknowledged his authority. Arafat to Palestinians, was like God to monotheists. They may all differ in the way they go about their daily lives, the way they solve their problems...
Nevertheless, Arafat was far from being perfect. To Israelis and many Americans, he was a liar, an insincere partner for peace. To many Palestinians, he was corrupt and a God-made public relations disaster. Still, Palestinians were in love with him, madly in love with him. He was like that brother who embarrassed you in school and in the neighborhood. But no matter what he did, you were crazy about him. Maybe because in times of distress he gave you faith. And that victory sign he always flashed—no matter how unrealistic it was—gave...
...fact that Arafat has never appointed or endorsed a successor is one of the most difficult challenges that Palestinians have to deal with today. But if the transition is handled smoothly and properly, it could be a new chapter bringing new hope for both Palestinians and Israelis. For this transition to be successful, however, there are things that Israel and the U.S. can do. First, they must ease restrictions on Palestinians. As my father would put it, “let their life go on.” Second, they must help invest in the damaged Palestinian infrastructure, revive businesses...
...Arafat for a long time has been regarded by the governments of Israel and the U.S. as the obstacle for peace in the region. Well, now Arafat is gone, elections in the U.S. are over and the only thing that remains unchanged is Israel’s policies. Unlike others, we moderates in Palestine have the kind of pragmatism that enables us to work with any Israeli or American leader if that’s the way to a better tomorrow. We shall not wait for leaders to die or to be replaced, because we realize that this conflict isn?...