I'm writing as a response to Matthew Newman's letter titled "Arafat actions warrant Israel's 'incursion.' "

Although I completely disagree with all the suicide bombings that have occurred over the past 18 months, I do not think it acts as a "warrant" for Israel's "incursion" at all. I believe that both sides have their own rights to secure states and borders. However, I don't see how Mr. Sharon's offensive will do anything to secure Israel's border, it will only act as a further provocative, and lead to more suicide bombings.

I also disagree with the labeling of Mr. Arafat as a "terrorist." What then would Mr. Sharon be labeled as? Mr. Arafat does not have as much control over the suicide bombers as many people may think, while Mr. Sharon has full control over his troops. The suicide bombings give Mr. Sharon no right to begin waging a "war" against the Palestinians.

Another situation that I would like to put into question is how the siege, and now the proposed exile of Mr. Arafat, will improve the current situation? I fully agree with the E.U. in its claim that Israel needs to regard Mr. Arafat as a "partner" to work towards peace in the Middle East." The way I see it is that "if violence is unto one of us, then peace is not for any."