current events...

[pisces2473]

Let's get the ball rolling...

What are your thoughts on the Yasser Arafat situation?

[heatherf]

Meaning do we think he's already dead and it's just some big cover up?

[MetFanL]

Interesting theory, heather... I never thought of that...

[cheshrcarol]

I'm hoping that once he's out of power, a new leader will be chosen that our gov't will agree to work with. Since the US has declared Arafat a terrorist and stopped trying to facilitate negotations with him, maybe this will be a good opportunity for Bush to show the world that we are willing to work with other countries for peace in ways besides war.

edit - I am not intending to start an argument about Bush and int'l policy. But I think it's well-known how a lot of the world views us and this could be a good opportunity.

[Crimson King II]

It's a dead issue.

HA!

Seriously...I think it's good...good riddance. Perhaps now the Palestinians can get a leader who will deal in good faith, they can get their Palestinian state, and we can be further on our way to peace in the region.

They have NO reason to cover up his death. His death will give them a reason to have more violence and attack Israel...they're looking forward to it. I think he's a sick and ill and dying old man.

[Crimson King II]

And you know what Carol? That attitude stinks. WE did not declare anything on him. WE got him the best peace deal Palestine will ever have and he said no. After he said no, he turned Hamas loose on every coffee shop and pizza parlor in the West Bank and refused to control those he clearly accessed who were killing Jews. You'll recall Bill Clinton's government stopped working with him after that falling out. I don't think it was US that refused to work with anyone, and in fact, Colin Powell sought additional talks last year, to which Israel said, NO. But if you insist on continuing to blame America......fine, I guess.

[WeirdBrake]

Yasser Arafat. What a worthless scumbag. Too bad his death won't be more painful. And I agree with CK. The U.S. didn't "declare" him a terrorist. He declared himself a terrorist.

[cheshrcarol]

Guys, chill out. I didn't say the US wasn't justified in writing him off as a terrorist, I was just stating a fact. As reported by Fox news in July '04, "Israel and the United States refuse to deal with Arafat, and Prime Minister Ariel Sharon says the lack of a Palestinian negotiating partner was one reason for his decision to unilaterally withdraw from the Gaza Strip next year. "

All I was saying is that this may be a good opportunity all around.

[maxwell78]

Ah yes. A Yasser Arafat thread. Politics AND religion, all rolled into one nice package. I'm gonna save myself some time and just go hide under my desk now. ;)

[WeirdBrake]

Sorry, Carol. I didn't mean to make it seem like I was attacking you or anything you said. It was just the mention of Arafat that got to me, that's all. I have nothing but the coldest contempt for the man.

[pisces2473]

Originally posted by heatherf
Meaning do we think he's already dead and it's just some big cover up?
I don't care...talk about whatever you want about him. Discuss. lol

[cheshrcarol]

Originally posted by WeirdBrake
Sorry, Carol. I didn't mean to make it seem like I was attacking you or anything you said. No problem :)

[Skyblade]

I took a Global Studies class once, and I had to basically write a paper on how to solve the Israeli Palestinian conflict. I was like, yeah right, like little me would be able to solve it.

[pisces2473]

I hated that assignment. I think every teacher thinks they are being creative when they hand out that one.

[CHS]

Fox News is reporting Yasser Arafat dead at 75...

[stonemonkey]

Originally posted by heatherf
Meaning do we think he's already dead and it's just some big cover up?

remember the movie "weekend at bernie's"?

[tartytwenty]

Originally posted by CHS
Fox News is reporting Yasser Arafat dead at 75...

Yes, it was reported on the news, in midst of my preciousl calm down simpsons...that he had passed.

[WeirdBrake]

Ding dong, the terrorist is dead.