ClaytonSwisherAJE

I began as a federal criminal investigator and bodyguard with the State Department's Diplomatic Security Service (99-02'). I was also a basic military policeman in the Marine Corps (95-99) so from an early age I learned investigative techniques. I decided my time was better well spent in journalism when I saw the US reaction to the 9/11 attacks. The public swallowed whole the Bush Administration's lines about WMD in Iraq and Saddam and Al Qaeda. I still hold certain journalists responsible for cheerleading the deaths of so many innocents--all based on false information and ideology. We need more reporters unafraid of facts; journalists willing to speak truth to power rather than shmoozers seeking Christmas party invites.

Some people will never be convinced of compelling evidence no matter what you say or show them. Their minds are sealed, so save your energy. Don't also engage people who believe the moon is made of Swiss cheese. As Jay Z said, "A wise man said not to argue with fools..."

My views on the Palestine Papers can be found here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Palestine-Papers-Politics-Clayton-Swisher/dp/1843913534

As for your point whether a Palestinian could have been involved in killing Arafat, were he murdered: why not? An Israeli killed Rabin. An Egyptian killed Sadat. It's not exactly unheard of in this part of the world.

Drink as many different varieties of KoolAid as possible and do your own research. What's happening in the world has profound consequences on our lives and collective security. Some would prefer the masses stay content with Amber alerts and political scandals...whatever drives ratings or makes sales, I guess.

Interestingly, Arafat's nephew, Amb. Nasser Qudwa, who opposed the exhumation and autopsy at the time of Arafat's death, said to the Wall Street Journal the following: "it would desecrate Arafat's corpse and could stoke violence and unrest if tests came up positive for polonium..." This seems to me a strange reason to oppose an opportunity to know the truth, but as a family member, it's obviously his right.
Worth noting that many in the PA felt that in 2004 if they knew/proved Arafat was poisoned that it would "end the 2-state solution" as no self-respecting Palestinian official could sit opposite an Israeli official who may have had a hand in killing their iconic hero. I'm not so sure that's the reason. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324469304578144552635184968.html There may also be implications regarding the involvement of the French judicial authorities, who initiated a Murder Inquiry based in part on the discoveries made in our film "What Killed Arafat?". For example, should Arafat's death be later ruled a homicide, the French may seek to question various officials from Israel/Palestine and elsewhere which could make some uncomfortable to say the least.