I have no problem at all with refusing to communicate with Arafat. I have no idea why we do. I have no problem of spelling out specifically what can and can't be done in a Palestinian charter..no terrorism period..supervised schools with an emphasis on skills training and occupational education (which I would recommend for all schools worldwide). No talk of destroying Israel. Acknowledgement of borders. Acknowledgement that because of the terrorist activities, there will be more checkpoints and intrusions than there would have been. Water rights spelled out in serious detail. Minimal, mostly symbolic, right of return. Some right of reaping the fruits of the land, such as traditional orchards, without actually owning the land or being able to vote in some disputed areas. I think that we have to impose some structure over there, and that means on both sides. Arafat is a terrorist and I believe that Sharon is at the very least a thug and doesn't want borders at all. He wants the whole enchilada. Someone has to tell Arafat's successor..just bypass Arafat..and Sharon and hopefully his successor..that this is just how it is. And tough if you don't like it because our support is based on this and this happening. I am also sure that Sharon, not being dumb, has a few contingency plans up his sleeve should our support waver. mg