So what's the next move?
Reader comment on item: Arafat's Failure May Offer Seeds of Hope

Submitted by Sally Vee (United States), May 7, 2002 at 02:30

Excellent, uniquely enlightening article, as always, from Dr. Pipes.

Talk about taking a step back and taking a REALISTIC look at what's happening to Arafat and his machine. One thing I have definitely noticed is that Arafat has become his own worst enemy (at least in America) with his recent embarrassing appearances and statements. So he may be a useful idiot at the moment. As my husband likes to say: no one is ever so useless that he can't serve as a bad example.

Some questions come to mind about what to expect next:

* Wondering who might likely be the "new Palestinian leadership"? No names or addresses please, we want the guy to stay alive. Just wondering if there is SOMEONE or SOME GROUP poised to step in, and whether they are truly reformers or just slightly smarter thugs.

* Given Dr. Pipes' prediction, what should Sharon do right now to bring this to the fastest possible conclusion? Refuse to deal with Arafat and demand new leadership, or wait until the Palestinians themselves boot Arafat?

* How can Bush best help Sharon/Israel right now? Seems to me if Pipes' prediction is correct--that this thing is collapsing under its own weight--maybe it is best for the U.S. to hang back (with the implicit understanding of course that we stand staunchly with Israel ) and let events play out. Why get in the way of a fool while he's supervising his own demise... and this way, no one can blame the U.S. for meddling or orchestrating.

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