Posted 6/26/2002 11:35:00 AM by Ocean Guy
The seeming Blair and Bush 'rift' over Arafat is more evidence that the statement changed nothing. There is still confusion over US policy. The Beeb seems to think that the US is demanding Arafat's removal. Though it's really an exercise in hair splitting, it si more accurate to say that the Palestinians are being asked to choose peace, prosperity and statehood over war, misery, and perpetual refugee status.

No one disputes their right to choose their leadership, what is in dispute is whether the Palestinian people believe that living at peace with Israel is desired. The Arabs can vote to compromise, or they can continue with their "All-or-Nothing" gambit to obliterate Israel. If they choose compromise and peace they will have the world as its partner. The choice is entirely theirs.