Expelling Arafat just boosts his martyrdom

The Israeli security Cabinet believes peace would be more attainable if it expelled Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat from his West Bank headquarters. The Bush administration thinks it's a bad idea. We agree.

Suffice to say, we're relieved Israel is holding off on an immediate ouster, which would likely lead to an escalation of suicide bombings and assassinations.

While there are questions about Arafat's commitment to peace, he remains the elected president of the Palestinian people. He may be a liability, but he's the "devil" they know, and the more Israel and the United States try to ostracize him, the more popular he gets.

On hearing about his possible expulsion, hundreds of Palestinians swarmed to his compound to protect him, and thousands more marched in support of him in Gaza City.

Besides, Arafat has just appointed a new prime minister, Ahmed Qureia, who will have a hard time winning the support of his people if they think he's trying to take Arafat's place. Qureia deserves a chance to negotiate for concessions in the road map to peace without the Arafat drama.

Sure, Palestinians are divided over their leadership. But removing Arafat will just elevate his martyrdom.

The way to advance the road map to peace is for the international community, led by the United States, to pressure both sides into making the necessary concessions without favoring one side over the other.