Une Certaine Nouvelle Odeur Horrible!

France in general and Paris in particular has always been famous for its melange of olfactory stimulants. From fresh baking bread to sewer gas. From floral abundance to traffic jam car exhaust. From brewing espresso to doggie caca. The list could go on and on. But, apparently, Paris is in for a new, bloodstained and fetid odor. (Come to think of it, this odor is not at all new to the land of Gaul!)

"Fifteen doctors - including Palestinians and specialists rushed in from Jordan, Tunisia, and Egypt - examined the 75 year-old Arafat on Thursday and decided he would be able to get the best treatment in Paris, one of the doctors said on condition of anonymity."

"Israeli Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom said a Palestinian Authority without Arafat could become a partner for peace. 'We always said we would be willing to talk to a Palestinian leadership that would be willing once and for all to bring an end to the bloodshed."

Now I am not at all hoping for Arafat's death. Even though this man is a monster and is responsible for the death and misery of an incalculable number of people, (on both sides) I still cannot, in good conscience, wish for his death. I think this is a major difference between his religion and mine. That being said, I pray that the "Palestinians" are finally rid of this evil man forever and that someone of a more temperate temperament will step forward to take his place. There is peace to be had in Israel and this could be just the beginning of it.