Like Barak, Arafat is under pressure to increase the intensity of the conflict. Analysts say Arafat does not have the power to squelch radical expressions of Palestinian discontent. He is counting instead on sympathetic international intervention to put an end to the bloodshed and deliver diplomatic gains. For this, the Palestinians must appear to be the victims as much as the perpetrators of the current violence. Despite popular calls for revenge and decisive action against Israel, the Palestinian leader has resisted deploying the 40,000 police and security men under his authority.
Wars end quickly.
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