By Jerusalem Newswire Editorial Staff
Nov 04, 2004
The Palestinian Authority met in emergency session Thursday after Yasser Arafat reportedly slipped into a terminal coma at a military hospital outside of Paris.
Of particular concern to the PA was the vast stolen wealth Arafat has used to stay in power all these years, and to which he alone has access.
As it has throughout the weeklong drama surrounding Arafat’s health, the PA claimed the ailing terror boss was very sick, but in stable condition. “Palestinian” officials continued to insist their long-time chief was in no danger of dying.
Deathbed
A senior “Palestinian” official told reporters Thursday morning that after slipping in and out of consciousness throughout the night, Arafat had fallen into a coma and was transferred to intensive care.
Several hours later, a medical source at the hospital where Arafat is being treated said the blood-soaked master terrorist had no chance of ever emerging from the coma.
Israeli intelligence officials were quoted by the media as saying Arafat had suffered total organ failure during the night.
Arafat’s doctors have yet to issue a diagnosis regarding the mysterious blood and digestive disorders that suddenly left him incapacitated last week.
In the absence of an official diagnosis, some commentators suggested Arafat was suffering from AIDS.
In denial
Former PA security chief Mohammed Dahlan claimed the reports about Arafat’s health were untrue, and accused Israel of spreading rumors.
Since news of Arafat’s deteriorating health broke last week, the Palestinian Arab leadership has been attempting to play down the seriousness of his condition.
Despite clear signs that Arafat had been incapacitated both physically and mentally last Friday, PA officials continued to claim he was merely suffering from severe stomach flu.
This as he was being rushed out of Ramallah to receive emergency treatment abroad.
PA scramble
PLO No. 2 and former PA prime minister Mahmoud Abbas was set to fly to Paris Thursday morning, reportedly to seek Arafat’s blessing as the new “Palestinian” leader.
For 40 years Arafat has led the “Palestinian” movement without appointing a clear successor.
But Abbas abruptly cancelled his travel plans after being informed Arafat was comatose, and meeting with him would do little good.
Later in the day, all senior “Palestinian” officials were urgently summoned to Ramallah to meet in emergency session.
Where’s the money?
Of primary concern to the PA officials in Ramallah, analysts point out, is the fact that for decades Arafat has kept the vast wealth with which he pays his underlings under his sole control.
It was Arafat’s exclusive control over all monies depositing in the PLO coffers that allowed him to maintain his dictatorial position for so long, despite the presence of influential challengers and rivals.
Most estimates put the finances at Arafat’s command in the $1-$5 billion range.
When Arafat boarded a Jordanian helicopter last Friday to leave Ramallah for treatment, Abbas and current PA Prime Minister Ahmed Qureia asked him what to do about the money, reported The London Times .
His reply was short:“I’m still alive, thank God, so don’t worry.”
With their leader reportedly on his deathbed, and the key to the treasure chest still tightly in his grip, worry is precisely what they appeared to be doing.
IDF on standby
Meanwhile, Israeli security officials met Thursday to assess the possible scenarios should Arafat die in the near future.
According to media reports, IDF forces were put on standby to enter PA-controlled areas should Arafat succumb to his illness, leading to mass rioting among the Arabs.