i definitely agree with the need for a more open-minded, rational, and peaceful leadership not only for the palestinians but for the israelis as well. if only rabin did not get murdered...
but we also have to realize that armed conflict is a big money bizness.. so i'm quite sure y'all know where i'm heading with this.

nonetheless peace is a must. "an eye for an eye leaves everyone blind". God bless the angels of jenin.

I think history will not view Arafat in a favorable light, unlike other Arab leaders like Gamal Abdul Nasser. Arafat was well suited when he was leading in struggle and resistance in 60's and 70's, but was unable to take that vision to actually build a Palastinian State. The evalution of a dream of independence from struggle needs to fulfilled through planning and the development of a nation's infastructure and future. Arafat left this in the hands of his cronies so he was able to keep the purse strings on the billions of dollars in foreign aid that found it's way into his bank accounts. While his people were left to live in poverty. Arafat will be remembered for 'never missing an opportunity to miss an opportunity'. Finally after turning down a not perfect state solution by Barak and Clinton, but a good start. To leading his people in the second Intifada that has not brought anyone closer to peace. I hope now a younger more progressive leadership will come into play that will be a real partner in peace. This will put pressure on Israel to do the same.

arafat's capacity to alleviate palestinian-israeli conflict was greatly diminished anyway. i don't think there would have been a difference had he survived his french physicians. there was little or no semblance of diplomacy between him and the bush administration, he was losing popular support among most palestinians who were more and more leaning toward extremists hamas, and his lifelong enemy sharon would have nothing to do with him except maybe bomb his compund in ramallah and jack up his runway so he cannot leave.
from an outsider's perspective, it seems that the only solution to years of bloodshed would be to grant the palestinians their freedom. for them to establish a free palestinian state, separate from israel, free from further israeli development/encroachment on palestinian territories. and finally, just plain respect for humanity, just the to recognize each side's right to exist. my two cents. peace y'all.

I agree with am sunshine "the problem in the middle east is much bigger and runs a lot deeper than arafat " and how can one really say who is the bad or good guy in this conflict?

The problems in the middle east most definitely do run deeper than Arafat, but it certainly doesn't help the stability of the area. I imagine that it will stir things up a little in the Israeli-Palenstinian conflict. Taking the leader away from a country in an already unstable conflict is the recipe for disaster. Espescially in the unexpected and sudden circumstances of his death, I strongly doubt thta anything good will come from his passing, in fact I'd expect the opposite.

i think that the thinking that would make someone contemplate someones death as a "good thing" is harmful and is what is behind conflict

the man won a nobel peace prize - to say his death was "good" in any sense would deem his live of little value - thats whats behind the thinking that leads to the lack of peace

and i agree that i dont think its going to help the situation either way as well - the problem in the middle east is much bigger and runs alot deeper than arafat

I don't think it's going to help the situation there either way, good or bad.

i DEFINITELY think it is a bad thing...a VeRY bAd thing...with bush remaining in office for another four years, and arafat passin' on, things are about to get UGLY (or should i say, ugliER) in this world...

honestly, i am personally not sure it is a "good thing", however I think it is all relative and I am sure there are people out there (ei: Israelis) who might think different.

agreed, it will be interesting to see how this plays out and see how arafat's successor will hold it down.

since he was not a despot - the mans death was certainly not a "good thing"

it will be interesting to see how this plays out in isreali / palestinian affairs........