Look, if we were stupid enough to sanction an assassination of Arafat by the Israelis, that would set our diplomacy back several years while creating yet another martyr for the Jihadis. Any hope of moderate political development in the cesspool of the West Bank and Gaza would be lost.
No, let Arafat be the victim of some vengeful Hamas fanatic who thinks that Arafat has "gone soft" on the Jews. Now, if the Mossad could find a way to tell this fanatic where Arafat would be at a certain time and place? Well, maybe.....
I don't care if Arafat gets rubbed out tomorrow. Just as long as Israel and the U.S. can claim clean hands.
As to the Syrians, well, Bashar is not made of the same stuff as the old man was made of. Bashar can be frightened. He can also be sweet talked into a deal on the Golan, if he is given the proper incentives and threats. An early sign will be Hezboallah. Watch them. If they move against American personnel in then Middle East, it's a sign that Damascus is testing us. We have to respond with overwhelming force and literally clean out the Bekaa in a matter that will make the IDF look like a bunch of girl scouts by comparison. Then watch the Syrians come running up to the teacher's desk, apple in hand.
Arabs respond to strength. Remember that, because George W. has never forgotten it.
Be Seeing You,
Chris Be Seeing You,
Chris