The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Yasser Arafat

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Nov 13, 2004

Opinion

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Yasser Arafat

Sir, — The mention of Yasser Arafat's name was enough to conjure a myriad of images of a man whose life was an eternal struggle, and was as chequered as the abaya with which he covered his head. He strode the Arab world like a colossus.

For the millions of homeless Palestinians he was Abu Ammar — a tireless fighter, a champion crusader with an insurmountable will. And he was a man the Israelis loved to hate.

S. Samiuddin Muzammil,
Kurnool, A.P.

Sir, — Arafat's efforts to bring peace to the volatile region of West Asia have been acknowledged the world over. A phase in the history of Palestine has come to an end. Hope the people of Palestine pay him the homage he deserved — make his dreams come true.

Pandithar Sivakumar Perumal,
Pune

Sir, — Millions of Palestinians will remember him as their father figure who embodied the Palestinian struggle for statehood for four decades and provided them with a sense of collective identity, self-confidence and national pride.

The world will long cherish his leadership, secular vision, humour and extravagant courtesy.

G. David Milton,
Maruthancode, T.N.

Sir, — Arafat stood for his nation and its freedom, surmounting innumerable and unimaginable difficulties. He breathed the statehood of Palestine more than anyone else. His leadership and personal qualities were par excellence.

Lt. Col. (retd.) R.V.S. Mani,
Madurai, T.N.

Sir, — When peace becomes a reality in West Asia, Arafat's contribution would be of paramount importance. He was a man of peace and a leader of stature.

Pranav Sachdeva,
New Delhi

Sir, — The voice that echoed the aspirations of the Palestinians has fallen silent. It is in the hands of the new leaders to carry the mantle of peace.

R. Kanagaraj,
Pollachi, T.N.

Sir, — It is up to the Palestinian leaders to bury their differences and take over the functions of Arafat. Israel should not do anything that will come in the way of a peaceful transition of power to the new leaders.

D.B.N. Murthy,
Bangalore

Sir, — By creating the state of Israel in the midst of the Arabs, thereby displacing lakhs of Palestinians from their homeland, the West destroyed the traditional harmony between the Arabs and the native Jews, churning out rebels in the process. Those who are the cause of terrorism and win elections in the name of fighting terror cannot be expected to work for a honourable political solution to the problem in West Asia.

P. Jothilingam,
Pondicherry

Sir, — Arafat's death has created a great void. His relentless efforts to pursue the dream of a Palestine state has inspired many a people to join the struggle.

S. Sudhir Kumar,
Athens, Ohio

Sir, — While Arafat is remembered as an icon for the collective will of the Palestinian people, he is also remembered for his failure to rein in Palestinian terrorists standing in the way of a permanent peace with Israel.

S. Sundar Rajan,
Nagercoil, T.N.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Opinion

News Update

Stories in this Section

A WARRIOR'S END

THE SANKARACHARYA'S ARREST

Sri Lanka ready for federalism: Chandrika

AIDS: the next agenda

Acharya's arrest

Yasser Arafat

Counterproductive