It's long standing US policy, but one that could be easily changed. If Powell won't do it, it doesn't even require an executive order, just a phone call from the Oval Office.
It's ironic that amongst the victims are two of State's own, American diplomats, murdered on the direct order of Yasser Arafat.
It is time Arafat be made to answer for his vicious terrorism. Bullets would be too good for the likes of him.