Barak is weaker now, too. Mr. Sharansky's criticism is both specific and general, and he raises a point often lost. Whereas democratic leaders are dependent on the will of the people, authoritarian leaders, such as Arafat, must control the minds and the bodies of their subjects to maintain their control. Their survival depends on their keeping flames fanned. For years Arafat has kept the vitriol against Israel pouring out of Palestinian television and radio.
Children read newly printed textbooks illustrated with maps that show no Israel.
Palestinian children are taught to grow up to be martyrs with their parents as willing accomplices. Arafat knows that the death of every Palestinian child evokes greater world sympathy. He has used his propaganda machine to maintain personal power, demonizing the enemy and rallying his followers. Propaganda machines, however, aren't as easy to turn off as to start, particularly in the hands of extremist groups like Hamas. If Arafat believes that violence encourages his bargaining position with Israel, he must also fear the he can lose all credibility as a negotiator if he cannot put an end to the violence.