R.I.P. Yasser Arafat

Yasser Arafat died this morning at 3:30 AM. President Bush's words:

"We express our condolences to the Palestinian people. For the Palestinian people, we hope that the future will bring peace and the fulfillment of their aspirations for an independent, democratic Palestine that is at peace with its neighbors," the president said.

Let's keep any personal feelings about this development to ourselves for a while, and "mourn with those who mourn." I'll be praying for his wife, Suha Arafat, his family, and the Palestinian people who are mourning the loss of their beloved leader. And I'll be praying for the next man (or woman) God raises up to lead the Palestinians. Maybe s/he not be bound by Arafat's weaknesses, but be able to build upon his strengths to bring some peace and joy to a people who have suffered long.