Politician

Let's introduce you to foreign political leaders - Arafat

Chairman of Executive Committee of Palestine Liberation Organization, President of State of Palestine - Arafat

Birth and death: 1929-2004

Citizenship: Palestine

Birthplace: Jerusalem

Identification: President

Family: wealthy businessman

Let's introduce you to foreign political leaders - Arafat

Arafat

The real name of Yasser Arafat is Rahman Abdul Rauf Arafat Kudva Husseini. His father is a well-known local businessman. His mother gave birth to him when he was 4 years old. His father was persecuted for his part in fight against British colonialism and Jewish rule, so he decided to move his family to Cairo. Arafat began studying at a private school in Cairo at age of 7 and then moved to Gaza with his father to attend high school. Through upbringing and influence of his family, he had idea from childhood to oppose Britain and Zionism and fight for national liberation of Palestine.

Let's introduce you to foreign political leaders - Arafat

Third Middle East War

Arafat is no more, and Middle East has entered post-Starafat era. Abbas was elected chairman of a new generation of Palestinian National Authority and speculation suddenly arose. A political decision or a larger conflict? Peace or continued bloodshed? Nobody is sure. But one thing is certain: relationship between Palestine and Israel is a win-win situation, and war is defeat. The lessons of history have taught and can continue to teach us. The road to peace between Palestine and Israel has a long way to go.

Let's introduce you to foreign political leaders - Arafat

Arafat in his youth

In 1944, Arafat came to Jerusalem and became personal secretary of Husseini, leader of Palestinian national movement, because he was smart, witty and eloquent. After outbreak of first Middle East war. Large numbers of Arabs were forced to leave their homes and Arafat also fled to Cairo with his family. In 1947, after a brief military training, he returned to Gaza to join and lead an anti-Israeli youth militias.

In 1958, he and his comrades agreed to emulate Algerian National Liberation Front system and secretly create Palestine National Liberation Movement Organization known as Fatah. On October 10, 1959, Fatah was officially established. In 1964, Fatah created an armed force called Assault Commandos. On January 1, 1965, under leadership of Arafat, "assault commandos" made their way into territory occupied by Israel, destroyed water supply and fired first shot of armed struggle. This day was subsequently called Palestinian Revolution. Day 1968. Arafat was elected chairman of Fatah Central Committee. In February 1969, he was elected Chairman of Executive Committee of Palestine Liberation Organization and later served as Commander-in-Chief of Palestinian Revolutionary Armed Forces.

Let's introduce you to foreign political leaders - Arafat

Arafat is known as phoenix of Middle East

After Fourth War in Middle East in 1973, Arafat actively sought support from Arab countries and international organizations. At Seventh Arab Summit, held in Rabat in October 1974, Fatah, led by Arafat, was recognized as sole legitimate representative of Palestinian people. In November 1974, Arafat was invited to 29th session of UN General Assembly. The General Assembly adopted a resolution confirming that Palestinian people enjoy self-determination, national independence and right to return to their homeland, and Fatah is permanently in UN as an observer. In 1984, Arafat was re-elected chairman of PLO National Committee.

Let's introduce you to foreign political leaders - Arafat

First Middle East War

On November 15, 1988, Arafat announced creation of a Palestinian state and clearly stated his agreement with UN Resolution 242 recognizing Israel's right to exist. April 2, 1989 The Central Committee of PLO elected Arafat President of State of Palestine.

On September 13, 1993, Arafat and Israeli Prime Minister Rabin signed a peace agreement at White House in United States. In 1994, Arafat received Nobel Peace Prize.

In March 2002, Israeli government placed Arafat under house arrest. November 11, 2004 Arafat died of illness due to ineffective treatment.

Arafat survived many murders and secret attacks in his life, but each time he managed to escape from danger. The Israeli Air Force once raided headquarters of PLO and razed it to ground in one fell swoop, but Arafat avoided disaster only because he was 15 minutes late.

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