Arafat is indeed relevant, and mainly to the Israelis. He is about as effective as a powderpuff as far as benefit to the people of Palestine is concerned, but has been, in recent years, an almost essential punchbag for the Israelis, who know perfectly well that he has about as much control over events in Palestine as my Granny has. There is a [very] small glimmer of hope that an escalating tide of hate and violence won't lead inexorably to global conflict; ALL interference ---on behalf of, or against one side or the other---must be stopped. I know that the opinions expressed will be dismissed by many; this is inevitable, for the situation described is an extremely unlikely outcome. As I say, a VERY small glimmer of hope.