It was not for nothing that the late Yasser Arafat was never seen without his chequered headscarf - that, for decades, remained the symbol of a Palestinian nationalism, as desired by the PLO -, for he wore his emotions on his sleeves. He wore his kaffiyeh in a unique fashion, draped over his shoulder in the shape of Palestine, that is, all of historic Palestine, including Israel.
For millions of his enemies across the West Bank, the Nobel Peace Prize winner may have remained the proverbial thorn in Israelis' flesh, the smiling 'assassin' - who 'loved India and its dal makhani no end - will continue to remain an inspiration for the Palestinian cause, its people and peace-loving citizens worldwide. Born Mohammed Abdel-Raouf Arafat al-Qudwa al-Hussaeini on August 24, 1929 in Cairo, this constant traveller, after slipping into a coma on November 3, was pronounced dead on November 11 at the age of 75. The cause of his illness has been listed as Cirrhosis of the liver (while poisoning speculation continues).
A towering figure in the Arab world and enduring symbol of Palestinian nationhood, Arafat's demise has left the grieving Palestinians with a greater cause to fight for (Pick up the thread from where Abu Ammar left).
- Sajjan Singh Thakur
E-Paper
