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Al-Ahram Weekly On-line 30 Nov. - 6 Dec. 2000 Issue No.510 | ||
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Al-Ahram Weekly On-line 30 Nov. - 6 Dec. 2000 Issue No.510 | ||
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Egypt Region International Economy Opinion Culture Special Travel Living Sports Profile People Time Out Chronicles Cartoons Letters Target: Arafat
By Mohamed Sobeih *
Recent statements by top Israeli army officials, among others, have indicated quite clearly that Israel's intention is to remove Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat. There has even been talk of official attempts on his life. But this concerns only one part of the current Israeli endeavour to weaken the Palestinian leadership and embarrass it before the Palestinian people. No doubt this endeavour is aided by other parties; and what more likely suspect, in this respect, than the Americans?
Such statements, and the rumours they breed, can only foster an atmosphere of antagonism between the leadership and the people, and create an atmosphere in which the Palestinian leadership is necessarily perceived as frail and ineffectual. And this is why, to my mind, President Mubarak's warnings stressed the dire consequences of such developments.
In this context, the Israeli threats can only be interpreted as a response to Camp David, where Arafat refused to give in to Israeli and American pressure regarding the future of Jerusalem and the Aqsa Mosque.
Yet these threats, it is important to remember, will ultimately prove of no consequence, because the Palestinian position is based on legitimate demands that have been denied for far, far too long. And, having recognised this position as both legitimate and unanimous, neither leadership nor people will give in to Israeli terrorism. The aim was and remains an independent Palestinian state whose capital is Jerusalem. No Palestinian will settle for less.
*This week's Soapbox speaker is the PA's permanent representative to the Arab League.Related stories:
Underlining 'a clear message'
'There are limits' 23 - 29 November 2000
The cost of vengeance 23 - 29 November 2000
See Intifada in focus 26 Oct. - 1 Nov. 2000
Intifada special 19 - 25 October 2000
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