Q
13
PLAYBOY:
What does Israel stand to gain from Netanyahu's obstinacy? Does he know the consequences?
Yasir Arafat:
Nothing. Certainly he knows. The majority of the people of Israel know that what he's doing is wrong. And the majority of the people of Israel understand this.
Q
14
PLAYBOY:
On the positive side, you are now the president of the Palestinian National Authority and you have won the Nobel Prize. Years ago you were considered an outlaw.
Yasir Arafat:
I was only thought of as an outlaw by some. Most of the world did not regard me as an outlaw.
Q
15
PLAYBOY:
So the world can change its mind?
Yasir Arafat:
Yes. Look at Nelson Mandela of South Africa. He was imprisoned and called a terrorist. Now he is the president of the white and the black South Africans. So things can change and the world will recognize that. They recognize that I am president and am no longer considered an outlaw by any nation.
Q
16
PLAYBOY:
You've also married and had a daughter. How has that changed you?
Yasir Arafat:
Well, it is my duty to give my daughter more of my time.
Q
17
PLAYBOY:
You don't see her often?
Yasir Arafat:
No. Her mother raises her. But it is very difficult for me. I miss being with her. I rarely see her.
Q
18
PLAYBOY:
You've been devoted to your cause for a long time. Have you ever thought of stopping or taking a rest?
Yasir Arafat:
No. When there is a Palestinian state I will rest. Then I might go away. But it is my destiny to continue until then. It is my life.
Q
19
PLAYBOY:
Is there a message you would like to deliver to the American people?
Yasir Arafat:
I want to tell them that peace is not just for Palestinians but for every nation.
Q
20
PLAYBOY:
Do you believe the Americans will help you realize your dream?
Yasir Arafat:
You remember Beirut. The Americans, the French and the Italians made an agreement with me that if I left with my fighters they would protect the refugee camps at Sabra and Shatila. They did not keep that agreement and thousands were murdered. We must always remember that.
