One of the objectives of all wars is to terrorize the "enemy" (whoever that may be) into surrendering or coming to terms (whatever those may be).

It's the least intelligent way possible of dealing with other human beings, but it provides the arms industry with a living and the military with a reason to exist.

Arafat is temporary. The issues which spawned Arafat are more lasting and will most probably outlive him. I could say the same of Bush and Sharon.