I READ with disgust Shuiab Khan's comments (LET, November 12) regarding Yasser Arafat, who he describes as 'one of the world's greatest freedom fighters.'

Arafat over the years gave the go-ahead for the murders of countless men, women and children. He never wanted peace. He was a classic example of saying one thing yet doing another.

His handshakes of peace with the Israeli prime minister one moment, then his clenched fist and cries of 'Jihad!' the next are proof if needed. What about the murders at the Munich Olympics? What about the slaughter at Ma'alot? What about his wholehearted support of suicide bombings?

His death could and should give the Palestinians the chance to earn a state of their own and live in peace with Israel. Will they take it? Let's hope they show more intelligence than your columnist.

P DORAN, Accrington.