Interesting question, but since you wrote that post the US has come out with a statement that it will continue to deal with Arafat. Which, incidentally, was exactly opposite of what I predicted a couple of posts ago.
I doubt that Zinni's comments triggered the bus attack. I think some planning went into that attack and that it was something in the works for at least a couple of weeks.
But I may just give up trying to figure out the Middle East. Every time I think I have a handle on it, something surprises me.
After the meeting, Gen. Zinni told the media, "I have never encountered such lack of trustworthiness in my life... It's a waste of time to try to reach a serious agreement with Arafat."
source