The death of Yasser Arafat

[Doug]

What are peoples' opinions on the late Palestinian leader, and where the middle east will go from here?

Because of the media being either controlled by republicans or afraid of nasty ramifications, the palestinian problem is never really presented objectively. If they now elect a leader from the 'old guard' headed up by Arafat's loyalists, we can expect compromises with israel and hopefully some lessening of Ariel Sharon's popularity now that he's killed his old enemy. A pair of moderates could concievably resolve the situation.
If, however the palestinians elect or have appointed an Islamic fundamentalist leader (arafat et al were die hard secularists when it came to politics), then where will the middle east stand in terms of terrorism etc. is there a third way? Shouldnt religion feature as prevalently in this country's politics as it does in certain major western ones?

[Calvin]

Personally i think the Middle East or atleast Palestine is going the same way as always: Downhill! Apart from Israel ofcourse who are staying firmly wedged up Bush's arse! What im worried about is what happens after the inevitable war with Syria.
As far the religious ascpect, well considering its relavence in a western super power -
One of the first laws passed was to prevent the state funding any abortion clinics as abortion was strongly frowned upon by religion gaining ol' Dubya great favour
- the odds are much higher for an Islamic fundamentalist leader.
Btw everyone i was thinking of adding a section about the Israel Palestine crisis and the companies which support it morally and financially e.g. Nestle - One of the worst culprits!

Calvin X

[dougustdoug]

If you are going to do that, and it sounds an excellent idea, then please do it in an unbiased and objective way. The only reason myself and a lot of students i know didnt join the anti-war protests was because it was billed alongside the palestinian argument, which is an extremely complicated (think northern ireland stylee) state of affairs which cant be easily turned into a black and white message. What do you define as 'support'? How far can a company legitimately go in supporting a political party or selling its products under the auspices of patriotism? Try to avoid a skewed viewpoint and to present where possible both sides of the story will give the real offenders no leg to stand on!

[Keg]

Well personnally I think it is only a good thing that Arafat is dead.. I'm older than most of you here and i've seen what he's done..(or atleast failed to do) over the years......it can only help the midlle east talks now that he is gone.......I just hope that now there wil l be some head way....Sorry Jemma but I AM RIGHT!!!!!!!!!

Love Kevin
xxxx

Hey Cal