Arafat

If it's true that he's on death's door, this is very bad. There won't be a good time for the loss of Arafat, but this is a time of incredible unrest in the world - the Muslim world in particular.

Like Arafat or not, I think he will be a loss. I think he has been a moderating voice at times in the conflict. I have no doubt about two issues related to what may happen:

1. Arafat's replacement is apt to be far more militant and
2. Mr. Sharon will not be able to help himself from making some kind of play against the Palestinians in their dark hour. Sharon specializes in making matters worse.