We're already starting to see initial war dividends in the West Bank and Gaza. The scales are falling from some Palestinians' eyes.

"The people are very angry with Saddam because they weren't aware that he was such a big dictator..."

Comes from watching too much CNN...

Hafez al-Barghouti, editor of the daily Al-Hayat al- Jadeeda, launched an unprecedented and scathing attack on Saddam and other Arab dictators, saying no one will shed a tear if they are targeted by the Americans.

"We won't cry for Arab regimes that don't give their constituents any freedom other than the liberty to shout slogans," he said. "No Arab will cry for his leader because Washington won't be able to steal more than what the leader has already stolen from his people. Nor will the US humiliate the Arabs more than their leaders have already humiliated them."

They're still not ready for the full twelve-step program, though:

...commentators have been careful not to include Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat in the list of corrupt Arab dictators who should step aside, though some have hinted that he, too, needs to learn the lesson.

Of course, like Saddam, it will be easier to criticize him once he's out of power.

Can you just imagine all the crap that's going to come out once Arafat is sipping MaiTais in Damascus?

"Of course, like Saddam, it will be easier to criticize him once he's out of power."

Bingo! This should be pointed out early (as you have) and often. Haven't seen it being said much. Of all the "of course, why didn't we think of that(s)" that may come out of events, this should be tops.

Palestinians -- in the street and in leadership posts -- are well aware of 'Arafat's role in financial corruption and his inability to function as a competent builder of a democratic civil society in the West Bank and Gaza. The street, however, still believes it owes all allegiance to 'Arafat as the one individual who kept their "revolution"alive for years. (Failing to understand, unfortunately, that that part of their "revolution" is over.) Palestinian leaders know the score, but are either too worried about retaliation to move against 'Arafat, or have their own hands too deep in Yassir's cookie jar.

The best thing that could happen today for the sake of Middle East peace is for 'Arafat to go into retirement, or to Damascus, or to Palm Beach...just somewhere else. That's why it is crucial for Abu Mazzin to wrest enough power from 'Arafat to act as a real head of government, with 'Arafat relegated to a non-political role as head of state.

"Palestinian leaders know the score, but are either too worried about retaliation to move against 'Arafat, or have their own hands too deep in Yassir's cookie jar."

Ew. I hope those other Pali leaders have their own supply of Baby Wipes.