The death of Yasser Arafat (search) is no loss to humanity. He was a murderer, a terrorist, an embezzler and, according to some credible reports, a pedophile. He skimmed millions of dollars into personal bank accounts, money that was to be used to elevate his people.
Arafat never elevated anyone, except himself and his wife, Suha (search), who lived like a princess in Paris and now is upset that her gravy train is about to derail. The usual suspects in the state department and certain European capitals are making familiar sounds about a possible breakthrough in the so-called "peace process." now that Arafat is out of the picture. But that would make no difference.
Replacing Hitler with Goebbels or Goering would not have changed Nazi Germany for the better. Arafat's life was dedicated to one thing — other than enriching himself — killing Jews and eliminating Israel. Of all the Nobel Peace Prize recipients, he is the least worthy.
British Prime Minister Tony Blair (search) came to Washington this week. He reportedly tried to get payback from the Bush administration for his support of the Iraq war by asking the president to do something in the Middle East. But one good decision by Tony Blair — supporting the war — should not mean that president bush ought to make a bad decision — undermining Israel's security.
The problem with Israel's enemies isn't Yasser Arafat. It is a belief system and philosophy, which says the Jewish presence in Israel is illegitimate. All that will satisfy them is the eradication of the Jewish state and the elimination of the Jewish people.
Growing up, my parents taught me never to speak ill of the dead. I think they would make an exception in the case of Yasser Arafat, a truly evil man who is about to receive the proper judgment he has earned.
And that's Column One for this week.
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