The West and the Israelis would very much like to see the Palistinian people quietly disperse throughout the Middle East, so that the great wrong done to them in 1945 is at last forgotten.
I have no doubt ,after Arafats' death there will be plenty of "democratic" leaders ready to be bought by America,and help them achieve their objective.

Maybe it would be in the Palistilians' best interests, but I always ask myself, how would I feel if my dear native land of Scotland was given to others ,and I forced into exile.    Sometimes there are feelings which cannot be ignored,for example the Scottish emmigrants to America and Canada who still feel the ties after centuries.

I agree with Fionn I hope they hang on a little longer with a strong leader. With the Middle East becomming a battleground , it cant be long before the West is at last forced to change its position, move to contain Israeli expansion and ensure a proper State of Palistine.

On the death of Arafat, I find it strange that no details of his origional illness have been given.
The "democratic " leaders in waiting in the PLA also have much to gain from Arafats death...Ake