Arafat didn't just walk away. He turned right back to his favorite pastime, massacring innocent men, women and children to get his way. He's a depraved and cruel animal. Bush is right to never, ever negotiate with him.
People like the Kings of Jordan and Saudi Arabia say one thing to the press to appease the street. What they hear behind closed doors, I think is different. Bush and Powell are not going to be pushed around by petty tyrants and weak sisters like Chirac.
All of the liberal countries--europe, Canada--have had lots of Muslim immigrants and don't want to upset these people. These immigration policies have been unpopular, everywhere. Seems we got 32 million Muslims in our previously Christian country without any say in the matter. Europeans have them too, with unemployment at 10% or higher. Current demogogic campaign tactics require an emotional, uneducated electorate to work.