The Hindu : Safety of Arafat

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Apr 02, 2002

Opinion

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Safety of Arafat

Sir, — The concern being expressed by world leaders for the safety and security of beleaguered Yasser Arafat is ironical. As more and more innocent people lose their lives in violence inflicted by Islamic terrorist groups and retaliatory action by Israel, Mr. Arafat utters incoherent words prompted by his close aides. It is clear he is either disinclined or incapable of containing groups like Hamas. The timing of their recent attack shows that their main aim was to scuttle the Saudi peace plan. If the Arab League is serious about resolving the West Asia crisis, it should join the international community to recognise both Israel and Palestine and protect their sovereignty. Both sides must give up violence before meaningful negotiations take place.

J.M. Manchanda,
New Delhi

* * *

Sir, — I fully agree with the Israeli military action against Palestine, though the incident has created a war-like situation; Yasser Arafat has to be squarely blamed for this and for mishandling the situation.

The world cannot escape from the grim realities of brutal and barbaric suicide attacks in Israel, by the Hamas, over which Mr. Arafat had no control. It is sad that Mr. Arafat still talks of martyrdom, rather than finding a solution. The present military action by Israel may spread to other areas too. I hope the Arab world will come out with a meaningful solution to the Israeli-Palestine imbroglio.

K.V.Raghuram,
Wayanad, Kerala

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