[dirtboy]

It wouldn't be reported by anyone if it was not for attribution. I don't know whether he said it to someone. It has been publicly reported and not denied. Until it is at least denied, the presumption rests with the story.

Wrong. Any such statement by a lead United States diplomat working in the powder keg of the Middle East would be serious, serious news. And it is the job of the journalist to provide confirmation, not the job of the subject of the story to deny every allegation levelled at them.

I simply haven't seen any other mention of it. It's like the Sherlock Holmes tale, of the dog that didn't bark. That fact that the pro-Palestian segments of the press aren't baying for Zinni's head speaks volumes here...

[Sabramerican]

That fact that the pro-Palestian

Not really. If he said it, again, not for attribution, maybe at breakfast overheard by a waiter. If the Arabs made anything of this it would be news. They wouldn't want it to become news that an American comes neutral and immediately gets disgusted with Arafat.

[Trident/Delta]

Ah, dirtboy, there is no "requirement" for a poster to provide continuous substantiation of a referenced post. Case in point... the post made by jmswope about the Taliban killing 3 Marines and routing a force of 17 with light arms. While I don't believe it happened, It was a posted news story. And, until refuted by responsible authority ( and there is no FREEPER that qualifies as a responsible authority, not even the "Bold Fenian" or whoever) then the story has to stand on its merits. The discussion should reflec tht story and not the predelictions of the poster (you listening Fenian??). Or, should I return the thread that won't die about the chinese hoardes invading from Panama??

Semper Disgusted