Assignment Desk
So here's a question I like to see analyzed in the press. The Palestinians want a state. Okay. Presumably, Arafat would (until he's dead) lead that state. Is there any evidence anywhere in his history that would show him to be capable of effectively (and non-violently) taking on such a charge. Look it's a matter of the welfare of the people who would be citizens of such a state. Given that we know Israel can effectively govern the region, I think this is a serious issue. Unless he can demonstrate (which he's failed to do under the Olso accords) that he and the PA are capable of governing, I see no way to grant Palestine statehood under their leadership. It would be a humanitarian disaster. I have no doubt that there are Palestinians capable of governing effectively and I don't want this to turn into a situation like the Brits had with India. There are capable leaders among the Palestinians now, but Arafat must be shunted aside if the state is ever to (a) be born and (b) survive.
- posted by levinson @ 3/21/2002 08:50:00 AM