It probably wasn't exaggeration when the interview was conducted, Wolfgang.

But I agree pretty much with this:

Without the external threat by Israel's (since the last change of government) often very stupid politics the superficial unity of the Palestinians would break down quickly.

With this exception. I think that without the Israeli threat, Arafat would have accomplished his dream of being the father of the first independent Palestinian State, and he would have retired as an elder statesman by now and people with a political approach that is more appropriate for the needs of the day would have already taken his place.