Friday, November 12, 2004
Israel Braces for Arafat Funeral
The police announced yesterday that it was putting its forces on the highest state of alert ahead of Yasser Arafat's funeral in Ramallah this afternoon. For its part, the Israel Defense Forces will impose a total closure on the territories during the burial ceremony. Soldiers will allow passage, however, to the participants in the funeral.
It seems that the PA has already been given an excuse if riots break out:
Security officials have estimated over the past days that the Palestinian leadership wants the funeral to pass relatively quietly. However, there is no certainty that the PA's security forces will be able to control the situation in the event of mass rioting.
I've said something to this effect before, but any violence from the funeral should be taken as a clear sign that the Palestinians are not prepared to negotiate in good faith. Accordingly, any idea of concessions should be abandon.
It seems that the PA has already been given an excuse if riots break out:
Security officials have estimated over the past days that the Palestinian leadership wants the funeral to pass relatively quietly. However, there is no certainty that the PA's security forces will be able to control the situation in the event of mass rioting.
I've said something to this effect before, but any violence from the funeral should be taken as a clear sign that the Palestinians are not prepared to negotiate in good faith. Accordingly, any idea of concessions should be abandon.
papijoe 6:57 AM
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