What Killed Arafat?

[Peter Lemkin]

I think there is a part 3 coming from Al Jazeera which will take this further.

Plus the journalist behind all story this is ex (sic) State department which may mean nothing or may mean many things.

Well all of those heads of state need to take note how little polonium it takes and how easily concealed it is and have another look at their nearest and dearest. And the waiter. And the hotel cleaner. And the body guard. I could be them too. Just.like.that. It opens the way for it to happen to all if it is done to one. Arafat was not powerful a man after all. Or was he?

Abbas is such a pliant Israeli quisling and he seems fine about the investigation. Clearly the Russians less so and some of the Palestinians are very queasy for various possible reasons. Israel knows everyone will think of them first, but they aren't owning this one while they have others. And it may well be them alone or in partnership. But with whom? The Russians? A Russian? A Russian/Israeli? An Israeli American with Israeli Russian connections? Some one with access to polonium. Suha wants to know what happened to her husband and expose the murderer who ever that is. But she can't be unaware of the politics involved in the cover up.

This would be hard to solve using standard detective/forensic work IF everyone was cooperating. Almost none of the major players are cooperating! Short of someone in the know breaking ranks and whistleblowing, I don't see how anyone will develop leads other than ones [many!] that are highly speculative, and almost impossible to establish. The French as far as any legal process are keeping their silence - one is not even sure if they plan to do anything. I can't imagine Israel was not involved or didn't know. They controlled every person and every item that went in and out from the besieged Arafat Compound, at the end. They must have a very good idea - if not know - but they won't cooperate at all. IMO, at the time of his death, Arafat had lost most of his power and his death changed little vis-a-vis the PA.