Well, I have a unique view on this, since 2 of the 5 people who are partners in my shop are Israeli, and served in the military there when they turned 18 (before coming to America). We discuss this issue all the time. I also have a programmer on my team who is Muslim, originally from Bosnia but living in Sweden now. (To top it off, the 3rd programmer on my team is French... Talk about a screwed up team, The Frenchman, The Musim, and the American Texan Marine.)
The way I look at it, this might be a turning point. Arafat was the only leader Palestine ever knew, he was their "father", as many of them will tell you. He also was great at turning his back on the peace process, or breaking promises. He also didn't do all he could to prevent attacks against Israel.
Now, I don't believe that Israel is innocent here, either, and I feel that "the wall" is a horrible idea. But back to my point...
Now that Arafat has passed on, his temp replacement is a moderate, and more open to the peace process. On top of that, there will now be public elections held to elect Arafat's successor. From there we'll have to see how it goes, but I am still wishing, and praying, and hoping for the best. You have to open your eyes to make it over the mountain...
E1
