Israel/Palestine

Now that Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas has resigned, expect the pressure to be ratched up against Yassir Arafat. Israeli politicians are already calling for his expulsion, once again, with some even hinting at more severe measures, like assassination. In response, the US has warned Israeli leaders that it wants "no surprises" in regards to Arafat's treatment.

Israel has been on a rampage recently with targeted assassinations, and the immediate political situation only looks to descend into further chaos and violence, which will no doubt be exploited by Sharon and his cabinet to shift the onus for further "reforms" onto the Palestinian leadership, making the possibilities for peace or any serious negotiations even more unlikely.