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Below is a small clip of the Article.

source: http://www.haaretzdaily.com/hasen/spages/498661.html



MoD: Life-support to be cut Tuesday
Sources in the defense establishment believe Tuesday will be the day on which the Palestinians will ask to disconnect Arafat from life support and announce his death.

Tuesday night marks Lailat al-Kader, the night Muslims believe God revealed the Koran to the prophet Mohammed. The death of the Palestinian leader on that day will, therefore, be symbolic.

The three Palestinian leaders have made intensive efforts to meet French President Jacques Chirac and Foreign Minister Michel Barnier to discuss the situation and make funeral arrangements.

The trio were to first visit the Percy Military Hospital in Paris for first-hand information on Arafat's medical condition. Palestinian sources have admitted in recent days that Arafat's mental state is irreversible. However there are doubts about his physical condition.

Arafat spent a fifth day in intensive care on Sunday. According to unconfirmed reports, the hospital had pronounced Arafat's death already on Saturday evening.

Other unofficial reports said Arafat was still in a coma.



Lord have mercy on his soul!

Grace and Peace!

did arafat become a Christian?

Thats nice

JERUSALEM (AFP) - Political leaders in Israel and the West Bank steeled themselves for the end of the Yasser Arafat era as the vanguard of the Palestinian nationalist struggle for the past four decades lay brain dead in a Paris hospital.

Palestinian officials fiercely denied that Arafat had passed away after Israeli media reported that the 75-year-old had died.

But while French medical sources said Arafat was technically still alive, they added that he was "brain dead" and only breathing with the help of life support machines while in an irreversible coma.
___________________________________________________

Yasser Arafat has been declared brain dead by French doctors despite what PA officials are saying.  

What does this have to do with prophecy?  It could prove to be a tremendous boost for peace talks or it could mean nothing at all.  

Let me explain.  I am a firm believer that the Lord is in complete control of world events.  It's very possible that Yasser Arafat was placed on this earth to be a hindrance to the peace plan until the Lord was ready to bring it about.  This doesn't mean that the peace plan will now come to pass but it could.

I have also been receiving a number of emails about the proposed peace plan by EU High Representative Javier Solana.  Many believe he will turn out to be the antichrist.  It's entirely possible, but things can change in a moment.  I tend not to believe in a man but what the Bible has to say about the man.  One thing many overlook is that Solana is human and could die tomorrow.  

Here's my theory regarding the antichrist.  I am convinced that the spirit of antichrist has been with us since the early church age (I John 2:18).  I also believe that throughout the centuries satan has attempted to bring about his antichrist through various world rulers but has been hindered by the Holy Spirit (II Thessalonians 2:1-12).  It wouldn't surprise me one bit if when we get to heaven we find out that Hitler was possessed by the spirit of antichrist.  The fact that he attempted to exterminate the Jews (God's chosen people) makes the theory even more compelling.  

I believe that satan is about to attempt another try at bringing in his kingdom through his antichrist.  His plan is to bring peace to Israel and eventually betray them.  He will then takeover the world, impose his mark, and force his worship.  This is his plan and unfortunately for satan God knew his plan before the world's were formed.  Of course, his plans are documented in the Bible.

The fact is, the Lord has allowed satan to work his plans to fit into the plan of God.  he has his plan but he doesn't know what will follow.  He doesn't know the rapture will take place nor the horror that will come thereafter.

If Javier Solana is the antichrist he will one day be possessed by the spirit of antichrist.  When the rapture takes place he will be granted supernatural power.  
"And all the world wondered after the beast.  And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?"  (Revelation 13:3b-4)

Pastor Malone
http://www.calvaryprophecy.com/q454.html

Um, no.

 ;D


+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Isn’t today a good day...


By placing our faith in Christ’s shed blood and nothing else, we can have eternal life.  Isn’t today a good day to place your faith in Christ?  There will never be a better time.  In fact, there is no guarantee of another day. Trust Christ today.    


(http://www.sirinet.net/~blkidps/blgif1.gif)

Looks like they intend to pull the plug today indeed!   I suspect we do not know the whole story going on here.    ???

I find it interesting that it was announced yesterday they would pull the plug, even BEFORE officials had arrived to see Arafat.   Seems very Ochestrated to me.

I still might be wrong, but I sense this will lead to very important events in the near future.

Grace and Peace!

On second thought scatch that news......A spoksman close to the situation said that John Kerry was now in charge of that decision.   ;D

That's why it's flip flop'n so much! ;D

ROFL!! ;D

Here we go again.....This is turning into a real soap opera.

source: http://www.haaretzdaily.com/hasen/spages/499629.html

PA plans Muqata burial for Arafat  
 
By Arnon Regular and Ronni Singer, Haaretz Correspondents

 

Palestinian Foreign Minister Nabil Sha'ath put an end Tuesday to nearly two weeks of speculation by declaring Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat's life in a Paris hospital was "now in the hands of God and his doctors."
 
A late-night report by Itim quoted senior Palestinian sources as saying that PLO Secretary General Mahmoud Abbas - the most senior Palestinian politician after Arafat - would announce in Ramallah Wednesday morning that Arafat had died.

According to the report, Arafat was already dead as of Tuesday night, but the Palestinian leadership would make the official announcement only after Abbas returned to Ramallah from Paris, via Amman, overnight.

Arafat's bureau director, Tayeb Abdul Rahim, indicated in Ramallah Tuesday night that the Palestinian leadership had decided to turn the Muqata into a mausoleum for Arafat, making it his final resting place until circumstances allow him to be buried in Jerusalem.

Israel's security cabinet will meet Wednesday morning to discuss funeral arrangements. Sources said that Israel will not oppose a burial in Ramallah if the PA asks for it, although Israel would prefer that Arafat be buried in the Gaza Strip.

Israel informed international leaders that the Palestinians do not have sufficient forces in the West Bank to provide security for the funeral, but that political considerations overrode security considerations. According to political and defense sources, Israel cannot prevent the Palestinians from burying their leader in Palestinian areas, and will only oppose burial in Jerusalem and Abu Dis.
 *******************************************

So much for putting rumors to rest  :-X

Confusion Over Arafat, Palestinians Prepare Burial

Tue Nov 9, 9:44 PM ET
   
World - Reuters

By Wafa Amr

PARIS (Reuters) - Palestinians looked to their leadership to lift confusion over Yasser Arafat's fate in a French hospital on Wednesday as preparations gathered pace to bury the icon of the fight for a state. Arafat, 75, suffered a brain hemorrhage on Tuesday at the hospital where he was flown from the West Bank on Oct. 29 and had lain in a coma. Officials insisted in public that he was alive, though aides said privately that he was dead.

Palestinian Foreign Minister Says Arafat Still Alive
   
In four decades leading the Palestinian nationalist cause, Arafat has gone from guerrilla to Nobel prize-winning peacemaker to a shunned old leader facing renewed bloodshed with Israel.

His dream of a Palestinian state remains unrealized, a possible succession battle is brewing and the threat of chaos in Palestinian territories is looming.

He has been widely admired by Palestinians as the father of their struggle for statehood but was reviled by many Israelis as the face of terror.

Nonetheless, both sides have wondered whether his death might serve as the catalyst for the first real peace effort in years or plunge the region into deeper crisis.

Palestinian sources said leaders were awaiting a senior Muslim cleric to give the go-ahead to disconnect life-support machines at the military hospital in Paris where Arafat lapsed into a coma last week.

"Is he dead or not dead?" said Ali Zaituna in the Gaza Strip. "We will only believe it when a Palestinian official appears and says it."

LEADERS RETURN HOME

A delegation of three senior leaders returned to the West Bank from Paris early on Wednesday ahead of an expected announcement after 4 a.m. EST on Arafat's condition and plans for the future.

Officials said it was likely that a funeral would be held in Cairo followed by a burial in Ramallah at the shell-battered "Muqata" compound where Arafat had been effectively confined by Israeli troops for 2-1/2 years.

After ruling out the burial in the holy city of Jerusalem that Arafat wanted, Israeli officials had said they wanted him interred in the Gaza Strip. But political sources said they might lift objections to Ramallah.

Workers installed extra communications links at the Muqata to be able to beam pictures worldwide.

"We are not sure about the day of burial, but I was told most likely on Friday," said one Palestinian official who did not want to be named. "The body might be flown to Egypt on Thursday."

Despite his reputation as a consummate survivor, Arafat's decline came swiftly and with little warning.

Initial claims that he was suffering from a stomach ailment soon gave way to widespread reports that he had slipped into a coma and that his organs were failing.

French doctors kept a tight lid on details of Arafat's condition at the behest of his wife, Suha, who engaged in a war of words with senior Palestinians officials over her virtual monopoly on information from his hospital bedside.

Prime Minister Ahmed Qurie saw Arafat on Tuesday. The other members of the delegation, Foreign Minister Nabil Shaath and Palestine Liberation Organization Secretary General Mahmoud Abbas, were unable to.

   
Most of Arafat's powers have been take over by Qurie and Abbas, both leading moderates. Arafat's death would call for parliament speaker Rawhi Fattouh to assume the presidency in a caretaker capacity for 60 days until elections could be held.

(Additional reporting by Mohammed Assadi and Diala Saadeh in Ramallah, Nidal al-Mughrabi in Gaza)
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&u=/nm/20041110/wl_nm/mideast_arafat_dc

 I read yesterday in the JP that Arafat is dying of AIDS and they are having second thoughts about a blood disorder that they thought he was dying of. Reports said that Arafat was a homsexual and his body guards were his partner.

I just thank God that Arafat is going to be buried in Ramallah and not in Israel. Ceremonies will be held in Cairo where arafat was born.

Michael

Well it has just been announced that Arafat has died. He will be buried in Ramallah.

There has been nothing on the news boards as yet. I would have posted that if there was.............

Okay here it is, there sure is alot of hits here.

Nov. 11, 2004 7:52
ARAFAT DIES IN PARIS HOSPITAL
By KHALED ABU TOAMEH AND MATTHEW GUTMAN

Anti-Zionist Netorei Karta pray and wait outside the Percy Military Hospital in Clamart, near Paris, as they wait for news of Yasser Arafat
Photo: AP

Advertisement

MUKATA, Ramallah

Palestinian President Yasser Arafat died early Thursday morning in Paris.

Arafat is survived by his wife Suha and nine-year-old daughter Zahwa.

Tayeb Abd Al Rahim, a top PA official, made a statement at a meeting of the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah which read: "At 4:30 a.m. Yasser Arafat's death was declared. His funeral will be held in Ramallah. His pure spirit has returned to its source, but he remains with us."

Forty days of mourning have been declared in the Palestinian territories.

"Mr. Yasser Arafat, president of the Palestinian Authority, has died at the Percy Military Training Hospital in Clamart on Nov. 11, 2004, at 3:30," spokesman Gen. Christian Estripeau told reporters in a brief statement.

Estripeau then told reporters that Arafat's body would be leaving the hospital, but that - because of French privacy laws - no details would be given on the cause of death or anything else.

Saeb Erekat, Palestinian cabinet minister, told CNN, that the Palestinian people "were supposed to be scattered and extinct in this century, but President Arafat managed to keep us united and preserved. It breaks my heart that Arafat is dead but the Israeli occupation is not. We will continue our dream for a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital, and a two state solution with Israel."

Former minister and longtime aide Yasser Abd Rabo spoke with reporters at the Mukata, said that Arafat will be moved to Cairo on Thursday and that there will be a ceremony in Cairo on Friday, followed by a burial at Arafat's headquarters in Ramallah (the Mukata) on Saturday with the participation of Palestinians, and friends of the Palestinians. Friday's ceremony will be held for international leaders and heads of state from the Arab world. Abd Rabo said that he hoped members of the Israeli peace camp would arrive to the Ramallah funeral.

Arafat, 75, was flown to Paris on Oct. 29 for treatment of an undisclosed illness. He fell into a coma a week later and was put on a life support machine.

His health steadily deteriorated and he suffered some brain damage due to hemorrhage. Only his heart and lungs were still functioning, Palestinian officials said Wednesday.

No diagnosis was made public.

French President Jacques Chirac said in a statement that he had learned of Arafat's death "with emotion" and that France would continue to press "with conviction" for an independent Palestinian state alongside that of Israel.

"With him disappears the man of courage and conviction who, for 40 years, has incarnated the Palestinians' combat for recognition of their national rights," Chirac said.

"To the Palestinian people, I want to express at this moment of mourning the friendship of France and the French people."

"May the loss that they have just suffered unite the Palestinians."

The Palestinian Authority on Wednesday moved closer to ending four decades of autocratic rule as officials in Ramallah reached an agreement on the division of Yasser Arafat's powers among four people. They are PLO No. 2 Mahmoud Abbas, PA Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei, PA Foreign Minister Nabil Shaath, and Palestinian Legislative Council Speaker Rouhi Fattouh.

US President George W. Bush said the death of Arafat was a "significant moment in Palestinian people. We express our condolences to the Palestinian people."

"The death of Yasser Arafat is a significant moment in Palestinian history. We express our condolences to the Palestinian people. For the Palestinian people, we hope that the future will bring peace and the fulfillment of their aspirations for an independent, democratic Palestine that is at peace with its neighbors. During the period of transition that is ahead, we urge all in the region and throughout the world to join in helping make progress toward these goals and toward the ultimate goal of peace," a statement from Washington said.

There are 3 pages, I am posting just the first.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1099973628375

source: www.foxnews.com

PARIS — Top candidates to succeed Yasser Arafat as Palestinian leader:

———

AHMED QUREIA: Palestinian prime minister, No. 2 official in Arafat administration. Longtime member of Arafat's Fatah (search) movement, he was key architect of 1993 Oslo peace accords with Israel and led Palestinians in negotiations with Israeli government over most of past decade. Became premier last year, and after initially challenging Arafat's authority unsuccessfully, became more compliant.

———

MAHMOUD ABBAS: Former Palestinian prime minister who quit after fight with Arafat. Respected internationally and among Palestinians, he was second-ranking leader of Palestine Liberation Organization behind Arafat. Also known as Abu Mazen (search), helped found PLO in 1964 and later served as secretary-general of PLO executive committee and member of Palestine National Council, PLO's legislature.

———

MARWAN BARGHOUTI: Most popular Palestinian leader after Arafat, but serving five consecutive life terms in Israeli prison after being convicted for involvement in attacks on Israelis. Was West Bank leader of Fatah movement and once close ally of Israeli peace activists in advocating Palestinian state alongside Israel, but vigorously backed resistance after outbreak of violence in September 2000.
********************************************

What do I think?

I highly doubt MARWAN BARGHOUTI (3rd choice) will happen, as he is in prison. So it seems to boil down to MAHMOUD ABBAS, and AHMED QUREIA. From what I have read, ABBAS is somewhat shy, and not very comfortable in public settings, although he is liked by the palestinian people. My money is still on Queria, and you can bet your bottom Euro, so is Solana's.    Elections must take place within 60 days by Palestinian law to elect their leader.....so the people will decide. It should be interesting watching the EU and US tip-toe around this event, in an effort to bring about desired results, without seemingly affecting the outcome.

There is already news clips suggesting hamas blames Israel for his death and promise to step up attacks.   I look for the EU to try and head this off at that the pass, as they are more sympothetic to the PAL's than the US.   Either way, it will be very volitile for a while.

One thing is certain.....just when you think you can tell what is about to happen in the mid-east....the unexpected is what usually winds up happening.  8)

Expect anything at this point!

So much for tip-toeing by the EU.


source: http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=3745462

EU Starts Push for Mideast Peace

"PA"


The EU began to push forward Mideast peace efforts as soon as Yasser Arafat’s death was announced today

“Contacts have started with the Palestinians and the Israelis, it is too early to see what will be the next step,” EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana said. “The European Union is going to work without delay to see how we can give an impulse to the peace process.”

After contacts overnight with international leaders, Solana said in Brussels that he found consensus on the need for a fresh push for peace between Israel and the Palestinians.

“We will do all we can to accelerate the peace process,” he said. “I have no doubt that the international community as a whole has to make an effort to bring to an end the suffering for the people of Palestine.”

Solana was flying to Cairo today for Arafat’s funeral. Foreign Secretary Jack Straw is expected to represent Britain.

He and other leading EU officials pledged support to the Palestinian Authority as it seeks to make the transition to a new post-Arafat leadership.

In the wake of Arafat’s death, EU officials said the international community should work with increased determination to revive the “road map” peace plan which envisions an end to violence and the creation of a Palestinian state.

“The best tribute to President Arafat’s memory will be to intensify our efforts to establish a peaceful and viable state of Palestine as foreseen by the road map,” Solana said.

The stalled peace plan is sponsored by the EU, the US, Russia and the UN.
**********************************************

I wonder who the US will send to Arafats funeral?

Grace and Peace!

UNITED STATES will send- Assistant Secretary of State Williams Burns to Arafats funeral.   The entire list is at http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/500542.html   Mr Solana will represent the EU....but He certainly is no celebrity by any means these days.   Interesting though!   We are currently fighting terrorism in Iraq, yet attending a funeral of another in Egypt  ???   Politics!

Grace and Peace!

Heres a thread I found in my last 50 that was still missing.


Hopefully this post will revive it  8)

yeah!!!   :D

See I told you it would work. ;D

You are the man!   ;D

And I am now going to head back off to bed. Try and get a few more hours of sleep.

So what do you think is going to happen, now that Arafat is gone?

I'll read your reply when I come back on later. ;D

I think there is going to be a whole bunch of talk in the media about peace and security.....lol

Anytime I start trying to guess whats going to happen, something unexpected happens, so I will refrain from saying this or that WILL happen (for the moment  ;D  )

I will however share a few things I am thinking about and watching for.

EU vs US in the peace process.   Who is really at the forefront?   We know from scripture that someone from the Revived Roman Empire will eventually make firm a covenant with many.  (no debating from the America is babylon folks please.)  I'm not sure the Church will be around to see that, so if that be the case, we could be going home at any time.   :D

Also watching to see who the palestinians elect in 60 days.   I have a hunch about that, but I wont force it at this point.   Just going to wait and watch to see what happens.

Temple/Dome of the Rock watch.   I have no clue as to how that can ever be settled.   But God does!    I did hear that the Sanhedrin was re-instated this past year.....interesting!!!  

Solana watch.   How this man can be at the heart so many world affairs, yet escape popular media is beyond me.  For e.g.  I believe after Brittan and France failed at getting Iran to slow down their nuclear program, Mr Solana was the one who has brokered a deal with them to chill it.....yet not a peep about HIM on the news in that regard.   ???   Also of interest is his 7 page mid-east peace plan which he revealed to the EU leaders Nov 2.   Still waiting for that to be made public.   Also strange how Solana is in Romallah speaking directly with the interim palestinian government, while Bush and Blair are watching from affar.   He's getting his hands dirty while the others are just making a lot of noise, promises and warnings.    We know from scripture the AC will not be revealed until the restrainer is removed/first seal broken....so again I don't think WE will know for sure, as we will be gone.   But its hard not to be suspicious at this point.   Still watching, very carefully.

Having said all this, I feel like a child in awe and wonder.  Very exciting times!   It seems obvious (to me anyways) that the Archangel is tunning up for a blast on the ole trumpet.   Lord, please let it be today!   :D


Grace and Peace!

Some interesting photos of Solana.

(http://www.nato.int/pictures/review/9902/b9902-11.jpg)            (http://www.nato.int/pictures/review/9902/b9902-12.jpg)

(http://www.afghanistan-mfa.net/photos/Javier_Solana_jan_14_2004.jpg)     (http://www.thedailystar.net/2003/09/28/2003-09-28__inter01.jpg)

(http://www.byegm.gov.tr/YAYINLARIMIZ/newspot/2003/jan-apr/n32-23.jpg)  

 

(http://i.timeinc.net/time/daily/2001/0102/rumsfeld0205.jpg)     (http://www.freedomforum.org/graphics/2001/05/photos/putin.vladimir.5-17-01.jpg)

(http://web.hd.se/irak/images/TTENDAMEETINGINBRUSSELS.jpg)

(http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/12/images/20021220-6_d1220-515h.jpg)

The man is into everything, and I do mean everything.   Ever present, yet never mentioned.    ???

Could it be that this, 7 page mid-east peace plan. Is really the 7 years of peace, Israel will sign? If so, start looking up!!  Because it wouldn't be long now.

I had wondered about that also, but its almost as corny sounding as the fact he came to his seat of power under EU's recommendation 666   :-X   No joke!   But it still sounds corny for some reason.   Recommendation 666 gives Mr. Solana, as High Foreign Minister, full emergency power of all EU assets, including military.   Maybe its all just coincedence...who knows?

Either way, it certainly has my attention for the moment.   I am very much looking forward to seeing what is laid out in the 7 page document, that is, if its ever made public.   ???

Dan 9:27  And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

This verse seems to indicate he will possibly confirm an existing covenant.   Which is why I made mention of the Oslo accords in a previous post.


I believe the Olso accord was also a 7 year deal that was breached when hostilities broke out shortly after its signing.  Some say Israel is still bound to that agreement.   This becomes even more interesting in light of the news that Solana just had talks and a news briefing with Queria (the key architect of Oslo) yesterday in Ramallah.    MAHMOUD ABBAS, the interim acting leader, had an attempt on His life today.   Call me crazy, but I'm pretty sure he might be having second thoughts about running in the upcomming elections.  Is it possible that Oslo will be the agreement that is confirmed by the Antichrist?   Maybe, maybe not!   But its fun thinking of the possibilites.    We will see how it unravels.  

Another thought.

All this talk of a palestinian state makes me very nervous.   That land (all of Israel including Gaza) belongs to God!   America, the EU or anyone else pressuring Israel to give it up is just asking for it IMO.   There are some prophecy teachers who say a palestinian state along side Israel will never happen, while others believe creating that state will initiate the tribulation or Gods wrath.  

Zec 12:2  Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem.
Zec 12:3  And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.

American has always stood on Jerusalems side of the fence.   If we get involved with giving up Gods land to those it was not promised to, which it looks like we are about to do, I think America is playing with fire in that regard.




Everything that is happening, and the pace that its happening seems to indicate one thing with certainty...

Troopers...time to look up, we are headed for home plate!



Grace and Peace!

Interesting indeed. Thanks for the information.

source: http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1100751972810


Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei urged the United States on Friday to stick to its original 2005 deadline for Palestinian statehood, arguing that the four-year time frame suggested by US President George W. Bush will give Israel time to grab more land in the disputed West Bank.

Qurei said that the Palestinians want a state within 13 months and assurances from US Secretary of State Colin Powell in meetings next week that the timetable in the so-called "road map" peace plan will be honored.

"We'll tell him that the four years timeframe that was mentioned by President Bush to establish a Palestinian state will encourage the Israeli government to continue stealing our lands to build settlements and the wall," he told a Palestinian journalist. "It is very dangerous."

The Palestinian prime minister met with foreign diplomats Saturday including the US envoy.

Saturday also marked the beginning of the Palestinian presidential elections; candidates now have 12 days to submit their nominations and the population will vote on who will replace late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat on January 9 next year.

Qurei met US envoy David Pierce in east Jerusalem as part of preparations for next week's visit by US Secretary of State Colin Powell.

"As the president and secretary of state have said, we are ready to help the Palestinian people," Pierce told reporters after the meeting.

Powell and foreign ministers from Britain, Russia and other nations are traveling to the Middle East in hopes of restarting peace efforts amid a new spirit of optimism following the death of longtime Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.

Palestinian officials said Powell would arrive for talks in the West Bank town of Jericho on Monday. British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw was expected on Wednesday and Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Moratinos on December 2.

**********************************************

The outpouring of tributes to Yasser Arafat was marked by two themes: 1. his greatness as creator, sustainer and leader of the Palestinian cause, and 2. the abrupt opening of an opportunity for its success now that he is gone.

The fawning world leaders saying this seem oblivious to the obvious paradox. If he was such a great leader, how is it that he left his people so destitute, desperate, wounded and bereft that only his passing gives them a hope for a fulfillment of their deepest aspirations?

Arafat's apologists explain this by saying that is because he had one weakness: indecisiveness. In the end, he just could not pull the trigger. When offered the deal of the century by Bill Clinton and Ehud Barak at Camp David in 2000, he was somehow too conflicted, too ambivalent to say yes.

Ambivalent? Nonsense. Yasser Arafat was supremely decisive and single-minded. He was not complex and, regarding Israel's fate, never conflicted. Indeed the reason for his success, such as it was -- creating the Palestinian movement from which he derived fortune, fame and reverence -- was precisely his single-mindedness. Not about Palestinian statehood -- if that was his objective, he could have had his state years ago -- but about the elimination of Jewish statehood.

That was the theme of his entire life. Yes, he signed interim deals to get a foothold in Palestine. But that was always with the objective of continuing the fight from a better strategic position. It was never to conclude a lasting compromise or real peace with Israel.

That is why he died so far from his promised land. This promised land was never the West Bank and Gaza. Arafat founded Fatah in 1959 -- eight years before Israel even acquired these territories. His objective then, and until the day he died, was a Palestinian state built on the ruins of an eradicated Israel.

Bill Clinton was astonished when Arafat rejected the offer of a West Bank and Gaza state, turning down the opportunity to be its George Washington. Us Americans never understood that Arafat saw himself completely differently: as an anti-imperialist revolutionary in the mold of Ho Chi Minh, Mao Zedong and Fidel Castro. Like them, his motto was "revolution unto victory." Total victory. No half loaf. And given Israel's stubborn refusal to die, Arafat's cause became sustaining the struggle -- the revolution -- indefinitely, almost as an end in itself.

It is for this reason that, while Arafat's death does open a first chance for peace since he took over the Palestinian movement four decades ago, that chance remains remote. Why? Because the revolution continues. Arafat made sure it would survive him. He created Palestinian nationalism and shaped it in a revolutionary mold that will take years, perhaps decades, to undo.

It is a legacy in two parts: means and ends. The means? Violence. Arafat invented modern terrorism: airplane hijackings, kidnappings and the spectacular mass murder, like the Olympic massacre of 1972. Others had tried it. Arafat perfected it. He turned terrorism into a brilliantly successful political instrument, a vehicle to international recognition and respect. The man who murdered more innocent Jews than anyone since Hitler died an international hero. The president of France bowed to his casket. The secretary general ordered U.N. flags to fly at half-staff

Arafat also bequeathed a legacy of ends: uncompromising, irredentist ends. He didn't just reject any settlement that would leave Israel intact, thereby setting a precedent that any successor dare not violate. He also raised a new generation to ensure that rejection. Deploying every instrument of propaganda -- television, radio, newspapers and, most importantly, schools and summer camps for children -- his Palestinian Authority fed his people a diet of such virulent anti-Semitism and denial of the Jewish connection with the land that no successor will even be in position to contemplate breaking Arafat's rejectionist precedent.

Arafat's most cherished achievement was to so poison the well that the revolution -- until total victory -- continues long after he is gone. As soon as he died, the most murderous terrorist wing of his Fatah movement, the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, changed its name to the Yasser Arafat Martyrs Brigades.