My theory about Arafat has always been that he has no control at all. He barely manages to hold his position by vilifying Israel and the US in as visible a forum as he is able. His approach to staying on top is similar to Hitler's, Khomeini's, or McCarthy's: inflame hatred.

Unfortunately, this position gives you no leeway to negotiate with the people you are vilifying who are understandibly put off by your rhetoric. And any public show of cordiality with the vilified ones instantly translates to loss of support from your powerbase.

It's a formula for hanging onto power without hope of meaningful negotiation. It is sad that we have pinned all our hopes on this man for so long.

I don't think he is the big bad terrorist that people have painted him as. Likely he would prefer peace in a negotiated Palestinian homeland (just a guess on my part). I don't think it matters what he wants or how moderate he is because he has no freedom to act, given his position.