By Yusuf Kanli
TDN- It's a Muslim tradition to speak well of the deceased. In the case of Arafat, a charismatic leader who devoted his life to the legitimate cause of his people, no one with a conscience could speak poorly, anyhow.
The Palestinian people have lost a father figure, a resistance hero trusted by all and a political leader around whom even opposing factions could form a united front to face challenges and achieve international recognition of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people -- who have been deprived of their most fundamental rights and turned into refugees, confined to ghettos dispersed all around the Arab world as well as in their occupied homeland.
Arafat was a man of great courage and strong conviction who was brave enough to lay down his arms after decades of resistance and lead his people to the bold recognition of a two-state settlement to the Palestinian question, which unfortunately he didn't live to see come to fruition.
The creation of a Palestinian state is Arafat's legacy, not only for the Palestinian factions but for the international community as well. Convincing Israel to return to the peace talks, the implementation of the "road map" drawn up by the Quartet and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state at peace with the state of Israel will be the first gigantic steps in transforming the Middle East from the status of a "terrorism-stricken area" into one of stability and peaceful coexistence that will open up vast opportunities for development and welfare, not only for the Palestinians and the Israelis but for the entire region as well.
The demise of Arafat, the charismatic leader of the Palestinian people, indeed marks the close of an era in the Middle East. In the absence of such a strong political uniting factor on the Palestinian front, let's hope things don't take a turn for the worse.
Israel should not be allowed to capitalize on the death of Arafat for further bolstering its arrogant behavior as regards the Palestinian people. The world, and particularly the Arab nations, must consolidate all their capabilities to prevent the disintegration of the Palestinians and chaos in Palestine and must unite around either a leadership council or a compromise leader and pursue a dedicated and concerted effort for a lasting peace based on mutual give and take.
Turkey, hopefully realizing the important historic role it could play in the peacemaking process, must pursue an active policy of engagement in the new period that is dawning in the region. It should utilize its unique position as the sole Muslim country trusted by both the Israelis and the Palestinians and, in addition to trying to facilitate initiatives undertaken by others, should try to play an active role itself.
The Palestinian people have lost their father. Their loss is great. We extend our condolences. May God rest Arafat in peace.