BBC and Arafat

I feel surprisingly sad about Arafat. He did many bad things and never came to terms with Israel (his boys are still carrying out the odd murder of Jewish civilians) but one still can feel a little for a sick old man, a long way from home, seemingly taking his final journey, as we all shall (pity about the innocents who thanks to him took that journey prematurely, though).

In saying that I'm well aware that none of my friends or family have been killed by his guys, and that I'd feel very differently if they had. But he was a tough old so and so, a survivor in a hard world. No affection, but a grudging something that ain't respect, though it partakes thereof.

Having said all that - is there really any need for BBC Radio 5 to give us an update every fifteen minutes on his condition ? I swear the Queen Mother didn't get such treatment and I'm damn sure the Pope, peace and long life be upon him, won't.

I have an awful feeling Arafat's death is going to be a bonanza for the BBC Israel and West-haters. Demoralised by the US elections, they need something to cheer themselves up - what better than an orgy of praise for the Palestinian martyr and an orgy of abuse for the evil Jews - sorry, Zionists, and the Great Satan Bush with his evil religious Right backers.



UPDATE - on the BBC - what a tribute to Arafat and the French, and what a second line.

The fact that France was willing to treat Arafat, and that the president even visited Arafat demonstrates that not all Western nations have forgotten what diplomacy is.
It is, for the time being, a great insurance against any terrorist attack.

Derrick, Cambridge, UK