The Palestinian struggle against Israel has been hindered by the nature of Arab regimes and the dismal quality of Arab leadership. But for the convenient excuse and equivocation of Israeli occupied Arab land, the despised and despotic rulers and autocratic and repressive regimes would have no excuse to exist. Saddam Hussain was the most abhorrent and tyrannical of the Arab rulers (that is not to buttress US and British way of deposing him). Arafat may be a cut out of the same mould.

Mahmoud Abbas, better known as Abu Mazen, never stood a chance. Not simply because of intransigence and obduracy of Sharon and Israel, but also obstinacy and opposition on the part of Arafat. The latter would not relinquish or share power or delegate authority that he had amassed and concentrated over a long time.

Arafat has long been an activist and revolutionary, the archetypal symbol of Palestinian resistance and aspiration. But he may not have the gumption, mindset, resilience or aptitude of a peacemaker. Abu Mazen may be better suited for the task. His departure puts the chances of peace and reconciliation in peril. Arafat sought to protect self-interest and to augment his considerable ego rather than enhance the chances of lasting peace or facilitate a Palestinian homeland.