MEMRI has translations from Arafat’s interviews with Arab TV channels. The old monster sounds a mite … perturbed.

“Let those far and near understand: None among the Palestinian people or the Arab nation will be willing to bow and surrender. But we ask Allah to grant us martyrdom, to grant us martyrdom. To Jerusalem we march - martyrs by the millions. To Jerusalem we march - martyrs by the millions. To Jerusalem we march - martyrs by the millions. To Jerusalem we march - martyrs by the millions.” …

“I seek martyrdom. Allah, grant it to me. Am I better than that heroic youth Fares Odeh? We are seekers of martyrdom. We are all seekers of martyrdom. The entire Palestinian people is a seeker of martyrdom…”

Mr. DeMille! I’m ready for my close-up!

Question: “…The question was, what will you do in this situation? How can the Palestinian leadership calm the situation?”

Arafat: “We are all seekers of martyrdom. We will not hesitate and will not retreat… As I told you: To Jerusalem we march - martyrs by the millions.”

Question: “Is this a specific response to the Netanya operation?”

Arafat: “Great! All this in response to the Netanya operation?…”

Whew. Yasser’s burning his bridges. Way to go, Ringo.

Question: “Mr. President, we are following [events] with you and we see the Israeli tanks approaching… We are with you in our hearts and souls and we pray for your safety and the safety of the Palestinian people.”

Arafat: “Man, don’t wish me safety! Pray for me to attain martyrdom! Is there anything better than being martyred on this holy land? We are all seekers of martyrdom…”