Palestinian Leader Arafat Dies at 75

So he finally succumbed...

But what's this?

Within hours of Arafat's death, Israel sealed the West Bank and Gaza Strip (news - web sites) and increased security at Jewish settlements, fearing widespread Palestinian riots in the coming days.

"The Israeli Defense Forces are deploying to allow a dignified funeral ceremony for chairman Arafat," an army statement said.

The military said it would restrict access to the funeral and burial, set for Friday in the West Bank city of Ramallah, and only allow Palestinians with permits to attend. The military will allow processions in towns and refugee camps, officials said.

A military funeral was scheduled earlier Friday in Cairo, a location that allows Arab leaders to avoid travel to the West Bank, where Israel controls access.

That seems a little suspicious to me. I suppose it makes sense on some level, but I tend to try to avoid the thought that Israel really is engaging in a military occupation of the Palestinians.

President Bush (news - web sites) issued a statement of condolence to the Palestinian people.

"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," the president said.

Oh my god, is that actually tactful? Call me optimistic, but... well, just call me optimistic for now.

Former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres (news - web sites), who shared the Nobel Peace Prize with Arafat and assassinated Israeli leader Yitzak Rabin, said:

"The biggest mistake of Arafat was when he turned to terror. His greatest achievements were when he tried to build peace."
...
Arafat became one of the world's most familiar faces after addressing the U.N. General Assembly in New York in 1974, when he entered the chamber wearing a holster and carrying a sprig. "Today I have come bearing an olive branch and a freedom fighter's gun," he said. "Do not let the olive branch fall from my hand."
...
"As long as the world saw Palestinians as no more than refugees standing in line for U.N. rations, it was not likely to respect them. Now that the Palestinians carry rifles the situation has changed," Arafat explained.

One of the world's most notorious and most beloved figureheads has passed on. Who will be the nest speaker for the Palestinians? They desperately need someone strong, who will not sacrifice their interests, but also someone who's willing to compromise in a way the best represents the interests and opinions of the people... Call me optimistic...