Sharon and Arafat "Call it Quits"

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Sharon and Arafat "Call it Quits"
by J. Edward Tremlett, Columnist

September 22, 2003

"Down On the rANT Farm"

J. Edward Tremlett Sharon and Arafat in happier times High profile political couple Yasser Arafat and Ariel Sharon have "called it quits," following yet another severe stumble towards an eventual peace agreement, and the creation of a Palestinian state

The split, which has quickly shocked and polarized the world powers, is being blamed on Ariel's friends advising against the marriage. They purportedly cited Arafat's noted intransigence, and supposed "infidelities" with various terrorist organizations.

In the wake of the breakup, Arafat has reportedly gone home to hide and recuperate amongst his friends, family and fan base. Meanwhile Sharon's friends have indicated that "killing" Arafat over the public embarrassment remains an option.

The United States government, which was scheduled to play a major role in the arrangement, has publicly asked both sides of the breakup to exercise "caution and restraint."

However, given the current Administration's insistence that Sharon "could do better," and their attempts to hook him up with other, more suitable candidates, there is little doubt amongst those involved that George W. Bush supports the split.

Many who've been watching the situation are registering a total lack of surprise over the events, saying that it was "only a matter of time" before this occurred. The course of the two's relationship could never have been described as smooth, nor was it expected to be, given Arafat's track record.

Arafat went through several other, potential beaus who all either left office prematurely, or kissed him off after his more infamous personality traits came to the fore.

"You could just never count on him to do what he said he would," one former flame offered: "And I got tired of having to send the Mossad around to check up on him, so I just dumped him."

Given that, plus their own rough history, friends and insiders placed very little hope that Sharon might be the one to lead Arafat down the aisle.

However, mutual friend Bill Clinton is credited with pushing the two of them together, creating a relationship that eternally wavered between blind hope and awful crisis.

Some have said that Clinton's motives were fueled by hopes of a Nobel Peace Prize. The former American President declined to comment. ***

"Behind the dialogue / We're in a mess / Whatever I intended / I sent you flowers / You wanted chocolates instead"

"Flowers of Romance" - Public Image Ltd.

J. Edward Tremlett is a published author, political thinker and self-described "mean-spirited crank." He lives with his wife and two cats in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

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Photo of J. Edward Tremlett courtesy of staff files
Images courtesy of the author