I am sure you heard about the child, who shouted, "The King has no clothes." You may not have heard how badly the child was chastised because of telling the truth. Prime Minister Sharon may be scolded too, because he told the truth that Arafat is a murderer and a pathological liar. Till September 13th 1993, this was a world-known and established fact and Arafat and his organization were branded as terrorist, whose activities were banned also in the US. So, what for God's sake happened, to have given creditability and honor to this man and his organization? For a handshake and a smile he was welcomed in Israel - given land, rule over 98% of Palestinians, money, and even weapons. Red carpet treatment was bestowed on this person, who inspected stately the honor guards of many capitals in the world. He was not naked, but hidden underneath of his rag of a Kafiya - which served as a show to extract mercy - was exactly what Sharon said. "A murderer and a liar."

At the same time, when Israel kept every agreement - Arafat violated all of them. With spoonfuls of sugar and terror, his poison-medicine went down and was accepted by many as o.k. The moments of peace during the peace process were generally applauded as a way to peace. In reality, they were put to use to demonstrate and acquire sympathy on one hand and at the same time prepare for new demands and new violence. For some reason - there are people who love to hate. Incited, misinformed and brainwashed - too many of this kind fall into this trap of libels and lies. And these are exactly the people, who prevent a peaceful solution. By still giving Arafat credit and acknowledge him as an eligible partner for peace, they strengthen his position by giving hope that his tactic works and eventually will achieve the master plan - the eradication of Israel.

Though the European Unity assists the Arabs at every step, it was - of all countries- the President of Germany who urged Arafat to stop his manipulations and to accept the existence of Israel in peace.

And now he has proven again, that when he really wants - he can stop the attacks. And when he stops the attacks, there is no violence any more, because Israel does not attack.

I am not a betting person, but I am willing to bet, that Arafat will soon "respond" to one of Israel's misdeeds and crimes, he himself invented. And many will believe him again. We experienced this many times in the past.

But we have also learned in the past that determined deterrence is well understood. Actually, the only means which were understood. We hope that this or the next generation of Jews will not have to be asked the question we heard after the Holocaust, "Why did the Jews not resist?

I hope, we will never have to answer this question.

I am Barry Cohen

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