Stardate 20020213.1625

(On Screen): Colin Powell says that Arafat wrote a letter to Powell three days ago acknowledging that the Palestinian Authority was responsible fo the Karine A smuggling attempt. But just yesterday in a press interview he claimed that it was actually a setup by the Israelis to blame the Palestinian Authority. Arafat is backed into the corner and is desperate; he'll say anything that's needed just to survive another day.

What is important is what he does, and it is important that he know it. Actions are unambiguous. It no longer matters what Arafat says because it's impossible to trust the man. Actions speak louder than words, and Arafat's actions do not deliver the correct message.