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Tacan70UDN · PO2 Joined: 05 Sep 2004 Posts: 392

Haven't found a link yet, but Christiane Amanpour on CNN just reported live by phone that Arafat has dementia and leukemia. She reported that the Arafat era is over. The dementia is so advanced, doctors say Arafat is no longer in control of his faculties. Report was about 09:35 EDT, Sat. I'll come back and provide a link when I find one.

http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/meast/10/30/arafat.health/

Palestinian officials: Arafat era is over
Doctors in Ramallah say he most likely has leukemia

Saturday, October 30, 2004 Posted: 9:54 AM EDT (1354 GMT)

PARIS, France (CNN) -- Palestinian officials close to Yasser Arafat, who is being treated for illness in Paris, told CNN Saturday they have reached the conclusion that the era of Arafat as Palestinian leader is over.

The sources told CNN's Christiane Amanpour that Arafat, 75, is not in complete control of his mental faculties and cannot make important decisions or communicate coherently.

Meetings are under way among other Palestinian leaders in Ramallah to determine a course of action and divide responsibilities.

Even while Arafat was in Ramallah, before traveling to France for medical treatment, his four teams of doctors reached the conclusion that he most likely has leukemia, the officials said.

They wanted to leave it to French doctors to reach a final conclusion.

Doctors in Paris have not said whether Arafat has leukemia, and Palestinian officials are still awaiting a prognosis, the sources said.

Arafat is only being visited by his wife Suha and one other Palestinian official while in the hospital. But the sources close to the Palestinian leadership said they had knowledge of his condition and the actions under way.

Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qorei and former prime minister Mahmoud Abbas have divided the Palestinian portfolio and come to an agreement, the sources said.

Under the agreement, Abbas would become leader, as chairman of the PLO and the Fatah organization, while Qorei would be in charge of the Palestinian Authority and security services, the sources said.

Qorei would recognize Abbas as the main leader who would take over in the event that Arafat is fully incapacitated or dies, they said.

But the sources said some Palestinians oppose making any formal plan while Arafat his alive, and would rather have communiques issued in his name. There is no agreement, and there is still something of a power struggle under way, the sources said.

Both Abbas and Qorei have publicly been at odds with Arafat, even as they have stated allegiance to him.

Each complained he was not allowed enough power over security forces or finances to allow important steps in improving Palestinian life and reducing terrorist attacks by Palestinian militant groups.

Edited 1 time to add URL and story; 10:24 EDT, 30 Oct 04

ontheright · Ensign Joined: 19 Aug 2004 Posts: 56 Location: Michigan

What a pity---NOT!

GoEagles · Posted: Sat Oct 30, 2004 4:10 pm Post subject:

I could have given the dementia diagnosis years ago
_________________
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Bystander · PO3 Joined: 25 Aug 2004 Posts: 271 Location: MI

Just proves our form of government is the very best. We'd have a smooth transition with no 'you take this part--I'll take this part.'
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Jefe · Posted: Sat Oct 30, 2004 5:07 pm Post subject: The Irony of it.

The legacy of Arafat's leadership is that the "future Palestinian state," after all this time, still lacks the infrastructure to provide medical treatment for him, and his people.

I wish I could summon to myself the Christian charity to wish him an easy passing. Instead, the picture of him lying in a Parisan hospital bed in his own sh** during his last days, somehow is more satisfying.

GoEagles · Posted: Sat Oct 30, 2004 5:31 pm Post subject: Re: The Irony of it.

Kimmymac · Posted: Sat Oct 30, 2004 5:45 pm Post subject:

With the spirit my mother on one side of me, and my grandmother on the other, I will sit as straight in this pew as I possibly can, and with all the moral training and lessons in behaving like a lady those two gracious women tried to impart being dredged up from the depths of my black heart, I will say--

"I am sorry to hear Arafat is so ill."

Then, because I always was my daddy's daughter, I will add: "But how could they tell he has dementia? What would you call the last 40+ years of his life, except one long road trip along the highway of Depply Demented?"
_________________
The last refuge of scoundrels is not patriotism; it is finicky liberal humanitarianism.--Martin Paretz

wwIIvetsdaughter · Posted: Sat Oct 30, 2004 6:33 pm Post subject: Re: The Irony of it.

Rdtf · CNO Joined: 13 May 2004 Posts: 2209 Location: BUSHville

You mean he's not DEAD YET? Trick or Treat?

Ok..I'm sorry.... Embarassed

Ok..no I'm not....

In advance.... R.I.P. Yasser Arafart.

Son of a VET · Posted: Sat Oct 30, 2004 7:07 pm Post subject:

GM Strong · Posted: Sat Oct 30, 2004 10:33 pm Post subject:

Guest · Posted: Sat Oct 30, 2004 10:42 pm Post subject:

fastrock · Lt.Jg. Joined: 03 Sep 2004 Posts: 122 Location: Union, KY

You are exactly right Jefe, Palestinians and their organizations have gotten the equitant of $30 Billon over the last 50 years, yet they still live in refuge camps.
GOOD BYE and MAY A THOUSAND CAMEL TICKS INHABIT YOUR BED.
_________________
"It is never right to do wrong, even if sanctioned by law" Abe Lincoln
The Last True Cruiser
www.usslongbeach-assoc.org

jataylor11 · Posted: Sat Oct 30, 2004 10:51 pm Post subject:

Rdtf · CNO Joined: 13 May 2004 Posts: 2209 Location: BUSHville

Someone said in another thread how they imagine when he dies the scene from the movie Ghost when the bad guy died and the demons take him away. PERFECT.