Norwegian diplomat and UN Middle East Special Coordinator, Terje Roed-Larsen has been declared a "persona non-grata" by the Yasser Arafat. Reading between the lines, this Palestinian apologist has been ordered 'shot on sight,' if he sets foot on "Palestinian territory."

The Washington Times summarized:

After more than 20 years of championing the Palestinian cause, the UN's Middle East peace envoy lashed out at Yasser Arafat and received a stinging rebuke yesterday.

Expressing frustration as he winds up his Mideast mission, Terje Roed-Larsen blamed Mr. Arafat for lack of progress toward vital reforms and peace moves backed by the world body. He was speaking Tuesday before the UN Security Council.

What did Larsen do that was so far beyond the pale? I went to the UN site and read Larsen's actual report. Did he really 'lash out'? What is it that was so intolerable to Arafat?

Let me summarize:

He dared to suggest that BOTH sides were falling short of their Roadmap responsibilities, and that this was the reason for Sharon declaring Israeli intentions to leave Gaza. The Palestinians had not stopped terror or introduced reform, and the Israelis had not dismantled settlements.

He dared suggest that if the PA steps up to the security issues after withdrawal, peace might actually result from the withdrawal. He dared mention that this was just Palestinian implementation of a Roadmap responsibility, but that if this did not happen, that there would be more bloodshed.

He dared to give specific examples of violence on BOTH sides. While largely focusing on Palestinian casualties, restrictions and difficulties, he also mentioned Israeli deaths - civilian and military. Intolerable!

He dared suggest that the Quartet would support well-run Palestinian elections.

He dared say that Palestinian reforms were being implemented in areas of Finance and Public Administration - but that Arafat had only lent nominal support to reforms in the security arena, and that more was needed to establish credibility.

He dared foreshadow the chaos that broke out this week in Gaza - basing his prediction on sporadic events already publicly known.

In short - for the first time I can remember, Larsen told the truth and said that peace was possible and in the hands of the Palestinians - and specifically Yasser Arafat.

In every other speech I can remember Larsen was so careful to say that the Jews were at fault for everything that was wrong, not just for some of the things.

One little slip cost him his best friend. Sad, really.

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