i agree with manopeace as far as the poisoning aspect.  although we may never know for sure, i doubt he was poisoned.  if that were the case, why not reveal the evidence?  arafat's marriage was always a mystery to me as was his acceptance of his wife living in luxury.  no doubt the palestinian people will ever see much--if any--of the money that was diverted from them. 

whomever succeeds arafat, a resolution to the problem is much more likely i think.  the struggle ultimately became arafat's life--literally. ending it would have left him 'lifeless'.  it's difficult to imagine that being the case with his successor.

i found the israeli government's reason for refusing arafat burial in jerusalem laffable--literally.  with all due respect to both sides, the ancient kings of the jews werent known for fainting at the site of blood...not even by the river.