Oh those French.  Oh those Arabs.  Trying to get the truth from either of them is difficult——when they work together it is impossible.  Because France does not list cause of death on the death certificate (to save embarrassment; is that one reason Arafat's died there?) and only allows family members to state the cause of death if they choose, whispered rumors are getting louder. Conflicting reports, such as those below, appear. 
 
AIDS, caused by homosexual behavior which is repulsive in the Arab/Moslem world, is believed the reason by many in the know.  Others have suggested cirrhosis caused by alochol, another deep Arab/Moslem prohibition.  True to form, the Arabs are accusing the Israelis of poisoning their leader.
 
Now, if the French and/or Arafat's family decide to decisively state honestly, truly, really what Arafat died of, no one will believe them.  And that would be a fitting tribute to Arafat.

Ethel C. Fenig   11 17 04