The NY Post does linguistic backflips


Continuing in its tradition of excellence and integrity, the NY Post's cover today is not only incredibly awkward... the "Arafat Lady"???? is that how she is normally referred to?.... but also an international special of its famed Page 6. The inside headline, "HE CHECKS OUT, SUHA CASHES IN" provides an article that details the settlement paid to her by the Palestinian Authority. Or course, in true NY Post fashion, they are merely re-reporting what was reported in 2 Italian newspapers... that estimates of Arafat's assets reach $4 billion in hidden accounts, and that in exchange for Suha telling the Palestinian Authority where the money is, she will receive a rumored $22 million per YEAR.
As in life, the circumstances surrounding Arafat's death are incredibly murky, with his personal physician in Ramallah requesting an autopsy while rumors swirl of a possible assassination attempt by rivals in the PLO, or that he had AIDS which is possibly why Suha lives in Paris. Or maybe she just doesn't like being shot at by Israeli tanks and recruiting suicide bombers. Paris... Ramallah? Paris... Ramallah? That is a tough call. And I would certainly choose the same. But I wouldn't suddenly attach myself to a husband I never see and block access to him, further distancing myself from the Palestinians and their cause. She is not in it for anybody else but herself. And I wonder if her deceased husband was any different. Perhaps, if they can control the chaos that might ensue in this vacuum of power, there might actually be a chance for statehood. Something Arafat claimed to fight for, but at the end did nothing but impede.

For a more thoughtful analysis of Arafat's death and the future of the Palestinians, read the King of Jordan's Op-Ed in the NY Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/12/opinion/12abdullah.html?hp