Half truth. The whole truth is that he has supported, equipped, trained, and supplied terrorists. Arafat is firmly on the side of the terrorists, and the longer official U.S. policy ignores that, the worse off the Middle East will be. Therefore, I don't think Bush's speech is terribly helpful to the cause of peace in the Middle East.
Powell is going to take that elsewhere, and there will be a changeover in the Palestinean Authority's leadership. And the new leaders will be placed on notice.
I disagree! I think it puts the blame exactly where it belongs - on Arafat! If Israel starts a pullout and Arafat doesn't stop the terrorist attacks, it will be a clear signal that Arafat doesn't want peace - which we already know, but this time the world will be watching. I think this was a very pivitol speech as far as dealing with Arafat is concerned. I'm sure Bush wants the violence to stop - but I'm even more sure Bush is committed to Israel whatever Israel decides to do.
Don't you think Bush knows that Arafat is supporting terrorism? He is merely publicly allowing him a face saving measure to stand up and lead his people in the right direction and show that he was never involved in supporting terrorism - it was all a big misunderstanding.
This is the only solution possible at this time and it will probably not work but will buy a little time and a breather to allow things to cool down.