As Middle East Road Map Peace Plan Unravels, Israel Threatens to Expel or Assassinate Yasser Arafat

Interview with Hussein Ibish, communications director of the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, conducted by Scott Harris

The Bush administration's Middle East peace plan, known as the "road map," has quickly unraveled over the last month. The breakdown of a cease-fire between Israel and Palestinian militants, coupled with the resignation of Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas has shattered hope that the plan could diminish escalating violence and pave the way for a negotiated settlement. The cease-fire fell apart soon after Israel targeted leaders of the militant Islamic group Hamas for assassination, which in turn triggered a series of Palestinian suicide bombings, killing Israeli civilians in buses and restaurants.

A declaration by Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon's government to "remove" Yasser Arafat has drawn international criticism. Israeli Vice Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's public statement that Arafat could be removed from his besieged Ramallah compound either by expulsion or assassination further deepened the crisis atmosphere and was condemned by nations around the world, including the United States. In reaction, to the threat against their leader, thousands of Palestinians recently gathered at Arafat's compound vowing to defend him against any Israeli attack.

Between the Lines Scott Harris spoke with Hussein Ibish, communications director with the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, who looks at the underlying cause of the road map's failure and the dangers that lie ahead for both Israelis and Palestinians.

Contact the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee at (202) 244-2990 or visit the group's website at www.adc.org

Related links:

* "A Disaster Foretold," by Uri Avnery, ZNet, Sept. 16, 2003

* "One State: Preparing for a Post Road-Map Struggle Against Apartheid," by Jeff Halper, ZNet, Sept. 16, 2003

* "Middle East Roadmap for Peace May Lead to a Dead End," Interview with Rabbi Michael Lerner, by Scott Harris, Between The Lines, June 6, 2003

* "Guaranteed Failure of the Road Map," by Tanya Reinhart, ZNet, May 15, 2003

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