The whole baby-wipe thing is repellant and yet oddly compelling. Like seeing Bert's picture on a sign in the middle of an anti-America protest somewhere -- the shock of something so innocent being so close to something so foul.

Charles, where and when is this picture from?

It was taken yesterday in Ramallah. Here’s the link:

[Link: story.news.yahoo.com...]

The baby wipes may indicate another choice of location for his retirement: Amsterdam!

It really is freaky to see those baby wipes again. Those creeps need more than baby wipes to get rid of the blood on their hands.

They're ass-wipes cause Yasser's shitting bricks right now.

(I couldn't resist...I promise to clean up my act next post)

ew.

Charles - do you have links to the previous sightings?

A previous sighting.

No, seriously. Though it's an opportunity to make great jokes (and "He thinks they're made out of real babies" is the all-time champion, IMO) I still wonder: What's this about?

Jokes aside, why on Earth would Arafat continually keep a crate of baby wipes near to hand? Does he have some unusual skin condition? Is he a germophobe? Does he like for people to wash up before they shake his hand? I don't get it.

It reminds me of those endless "where's Waldo" ripoffs. Like the "tourist guy". I am waiting for the inevitable flash superimposing Chubbs on every known picture of Arafat.

If memory serves, Arafat married a woman roughly four decades his junior (i.e., a cupcake) about five years ago, and promptly fathered a child. Perhaps there have been others since then. It's at least possible that he actually wipes babies, but more likely that he found them helpful for the tending of some unspeakably personal bit of hygiene that we don't want to know about.

I am waiting for the inevitable flash superimposing Chubbs on every known picture of Arafat.

Dear God! I hope you're talking about a brand of baby wipes! The alternative is too horrible to contemplate!

my guess?

those are actually ALREADY-USED baby wipes inside that box. he just enjoys pulling one out and whiffing it from time to time.

keeps him grounded, you know?

1. Arafat is gay (not that there's anything wrong with that). He likes to bugger little boys (there is something wrong with that).

2. The woman he married is not only 40 years his jr, but she is a Christian.

3. She lives in Paris with their "child" who probably isn't even his.

I believe that these are trial runs of the new Palestinian currency, should they ever achieve their goal of statehood.

Behold, the Palestinian Asswipe: [Link: users2.ev1.net...]

Unlike in my own assessment, however, they're going to use scent to provide proof of authenticity in addition to serial numbers and threading.

Arafat has Parkinson's Disease which has gotten worse over the years. The wipes could be for his drooling or for his poor skin condition which can vary from oily to very dry, mostly in the faxe and nose area.

If memory serves, Arafat married a woman roughly four decades his junior (i.e., a cupcake) about five years ago, and promptly fathered a child. Perhaps there have been others since then.

Arafat's wife and alleged child live in Paris. It wouldn't be seemly for them to live with the little people, of course.

Duh! They're for people to wipe their hands off AFTER they shake hands with him.

Don't look now, but that might be a box of baby wipes next to his bed, too. Can't really tell, but it's a close one.

[Link: littlegreenfootballs.com...]

Arafat is known to lead a very escetic lifestyle, which is partly why he's adored by his flock. Could it be, then, that he's one of these Arabs that wipe without tissue? Might the baby wipes then be used to disinfect the hand before eating?

The pic next to his bed is apparently baby-wipes: from this article, baby wipes are mentioned.

I also did a search on Arafat with google images, and got tired of paging through them.

Might the baby wipes then be used to disinfect the hand before eating?
Eeeew...

Cultural tradition - wipe with the left, eat with the right. Just scrub the hand in the sand to get most of the moisture off.

Bigger Eeeewww...

Don't Muslims have to do certain ritual cleanings before praying? Perhaps the babywipes are always in the shot to establish his righteousness.

I saw the man close-to at Davos three years ago, and I noted then that his Parkinson's made him drool: seriously, I think that's the answer. Jason

enjoyed the jokes (particularly the Palestinian Ass wipe currency crack). possible explanation; in Islam there are certain recommended hygienic and aesthetic practices, such as the full beard many Muslim men wear. One hygienic practice, as previously noted, is the wiping with the left hand (symbolic of shaitan, or satan), but it is also recommended that one not use toilet paper. Again, there is no prohibition, merely a recommended practice. None of which explains the prominent place given the wipes at the (negotiating?) table. From whence does my information come? I was a black convert to Islam, and became disillusioned and disheartened by certain practices.

Harper:

What practices were those? I think many of us regulare readers who have railed on the claims that Islam is a religion of peace and tolerance would be interested to hear from an insiders perspective.

Were you in the Nation of Islam camp? Was there a steady diet of anti-semitism being spewed by the leaders?

That's just the Baby Wipes box that becomes a multipurpose container after -ehem -whatever you use them for... I think that's where good ol YA YA keeps his stash of Palestinian Porno.

Could it have anything to do with the baby bomber?

From the BBC

re: J. Lichty's enquiry
any restrictions in Islam (dietary, dress, etc.)
are equally applicable, logic and reason notwithstanding. Unfortunately, in my experience, many so-called muslim men only seek to enforce these rules where women are concerned, resulting in at best, sexism and misogny, and at worst the unconscionable and un-Islamic practices of the Taliban, et al. Incidentally I was an Orthodox (read moderate Middle Eastern or Sunni) muslim and not affiliated with any organization or mosque for that matter.

Thanks for reminding me why I don't read the trash on your zionist propaganda site. Zionism is terror and it is the biggest shit in the world.

I don't know what his daily existence is like, but I do know that when I was stationed in the middle east as a soldier in the US Army, we all kept baby wipes within easy reach. In a very hot environment when daily showering is not a given, they are the best way to stay fresh and clean. Three things a soldier always takes to the field: M16, MRE's, and baby wipes.

isn't it obvious! he needs to contantly wipe the blood from his hands, the man is truly insane--the palestinians can do better!

Let's hear some Sharon/Jewish jokes now. Seriously, don't you guys see that you are seriously racist here?

This is truly puerile. The man has Parkinson's, and this audience has an immature need for entertainment at all cost.

To #34

...while Arafat needs baby wipes Sharon needs sand paper?

Maybe he uses them to wipe the post-lie amirk off his face, which coincidentally, looks strangely like an ass.

smirk, that is

Thank you Patty (#34). And folks, Zionism is indeed racism. Though there has been a Zionist movement among Jews for over a Century, the founders of Israel were not of that persuasion, and they intended a secular, not a religious state. Indeed before Sharon made it impossible by his provocative acts, most Israelis were indifferent to religion. Indeed there was deep resentment of the control the religious minority has over national issues like subsidizing rabbinical schools and exempting "student rabbis" from military service. That's all changed now, and they live in a theocracy, as do their Palestinian counterparts.

My guess is he keeps wipes nearby because it is very hot and he uses them to cool off and wipe sweat from his forehead. And with Israel and the US breathing down his neck Im sure he is sweating a lot lately.

i never realized how racist and stupid most americans are... it makes me sick.

Harper,
You never realized that before? Where have you been? I stopped throwing up over it a long time ago, but I still occassionally get dry heaves.

I hate to be the voice of reason in such a comic environment but maybe he just likes wet-wipes. They really are handy. And how you can get racism, blood-letting and symbolism of the like out of a cleaning agent is beyond me. Anybody ever stop to think for a moment that the guy is human? By the way i'm american and most of us aren't a proportionally larger racist population than any other country.

The man is sick, the place is hot, he needs the wipes. Puerile jokes make him a figure of fun. He is quite the opposite, a serious danger to to the world. Thinking people concentrate on how to turn the dangerous people around, idiots make fun and ignore the perils.

The man is sick, the place is hot, he needs the wipes. Puerile jokes make him a figure of fun. He is quite the opposite, a serious danger to to the world. Thinking people concentrate on how to turn the dangerous people around, idiots make fun and ignore the perils.

Get a grip you whiners. This is about fun. Besides, if [bigoted word] needs wipes, then he should be able to get wipes. As for racism, what about 9/11??? I call that racism. This is just fun...

Lately, Yasser has become quite self-conscious after hearing mutterings among his entourage that he is giving off that old man smell.

A glimmer of hope came to him recently when, while watching TV in his hotel room, he saw an commercial touting the joys of thoroughly cleaning up after one's little tyke, by using baby wipes whenever a diaper is changed.

Already having worn a diaper on his own head for years, Yasser ordered a crate of the wipes to be immediately shipped to his hotel room.

He's been baby fresh ever since.

This is just a rocket shot in the dark, but perhaps Arafat needs the wipes because his compound headquarters has been serverly damaged, and there may be no running water...a wipe's as good as a bath, in a pinch...

Most of you should be ashamed, the unbelievable conditions imposed by the Israeli's
justify any means to stay clean.

A diaper on his head? Do you see that that is racist?

Just fun. Lets turn the tables and see how much fun you would have.

[bigoted word] etc. Can you use the word n***** with as much abandon? How about if I called you kike or spic etc.

I love seeing the oppressed become the oppressors (the Jewish respondents) where is your collective memory now?

Enough of this stupid conjecture. How many of you have ever visited the Islamic world?

Cleanliness is an important part of the daily life of Muslims. Handywipes, squeeze bottles of handwash solution that do not require water or towels, moistened towelettes in little foil packets, and fountains, spigots, taps and faucets outside mosques are all part of the cultural landscape.

Remember, these cultures had flush toilets long before people in the West stopped dumping their chamberpots in the street.

Many of you red-necks are epitomizing why us Americans are hated so much overseas. And it ain't just in the Middle East. Ever meet a European? Some of you want to have "fun" at the expense of a suffering people. I wonder if you guys would have done this shit to Jews during the Holocaust.

There's fun and there is decency. Saying that Arabs don't wipe or making fun of a Parkinson-s Disease-stricken old man is not only immature but it's out of line.

Funny thing is, you guys are talking about Arabs in much the same way everyone else talks about Americans.

I'm guessing he acquired a baby wipe habit because he works in the heat and travels a lot (or used to). But perhaps he uses them because he's afraid of touching poison.

In response to #5
And What do you think is needed for the blood on The united States Hands?... The Ocean perhaps.

It is funny how we the American People are so quick to jump sides when we do not know the whole story. We very well know while coming up as children and if there was a fight the Mothers of the children would investigate the matter, they would go to the other childs parents and discuss the issue to see what happened...who's at fault, so that---that person would be punished fairly. All ways, All ways to sides of the story. Why don't we find out what the other side is.

Not the case any more we the Americans think that we are so big that we can treat people any way that we want. If we fear God and have love in our hearts we would not think that way.

No one in the US would appreciate if some one from the East was to come here and try to take( key word take) what belongs in our home or the land or better yet try to force unwanted relations upon you.

We need to start thinking before we speak and act.

Signed For all People.

Hey Joan White,

Who do you think you are to throw out the abusive term "redneck" so freely? What makes you think that all of these people live in the country? Oh, you "enlightened" urban people aren't capable of racism, huh?

Aren't you a shallow hypocrite? You are outraged by what you see as racism, but you have no problem dumping on poor, rural whites by using such terms as "redneck". You're a typical PC thug. Poor whites aren't protected by the PC code, so you can take out on them the anger you would have otherwise direct at other races or ethnic groups.

I find the comment posted above the moniker "For All People" to be ironic. While your sentiments are probably well-intended, your execution (pouting and suggesting that events in the Middle East are somehow the results of a "taking" of land -- not to mention that we, as Americans, all live on land "taken" from someone...

Generally, I find that this oversimplified view of the situation suggests a small band-aid will cover a wound 6000 years old. And, naturally, that band-aid should be placed squarely over the mouths of the "opressive" Israelis.

If you truly want to represent a view devoted to "All People," you'll do your homework before you start popping off.

What a bunch of morons. It is web sites like this that will eventually be the end of the Web.

The overwhelming abundance of such drivel as posted above will lead the web down the road that has turned AM radio into a massive talk fest, TV into 500 channels of infomercials and drivel, and the movies to a massive marketing tool for Hollywood celebrities.

In each instance these media were once controlled by a wide range of individuals and closely held companies, now the modern media is becoming controlled by a very few individuals marketing to the lowest common denominator. Debates on baby wipes is very low.

So, have your fun, debate the reasons for such banal topics as a box of baby wipes, and turn it into a grade school discussion on racism. The future Web will winnow out this drivel and replace it with countless background pieces on the latest Olsen Twin game show.

The destruction of the municipal infrastructure has stopped the running water and rendered the bidet's useless in the territories. Baby wipes are the moist alternative that politicians need to avoid the unpleasant itching of jungle butt, which causes excessive shifting in ones chair at the negotiating table which leads to a perception of weakness by the opposing parties. The baby wipes impart a fresh scent that disarms would be adversaries, with the subconscious evocation of infantile images.

Drc:

The Olsen Twins have agame show? when is it on?

Actually DRC, it is pedantic, know it all twits like you who will be death of the web.

Keep visiting and keep us homonids enlightened with your unique take on technology and society.

Old Spice has a new product out, a sort of moist towelette for men. Probably has a more masculine scent than baby wipes (might not be as gentle on sensitive areas like the anal mucosa). It is marketed as a way for men to eliminate "shiny face," with which I am afflicted. But I just don't feel comfortable yet busting out the face wipes. I don't have a purse to keep them in. Until men have an alternative to the purse, the mens personal care market will be very limited.

Earl Pitts:

Are you the biggest fool on the internet? Or is there a bigger one out there?

The reason why whites are not protected by the PC code is because they are not a vulnerable minority.

I'm sure these urban people whom you seem to hate so much are capable of some racism. We all are, but when one goes to the extent of posting racist jokes and comments on a message board, showing a sick and disgusting mentality, they deserve what they get.

P.S. I sure hope for your sake Earl Pitts is your internet name and not your real name

Hey Earl Pitts,

You write, "Who do you think you are to throw out the abusive term "redneck" so freely?"

Your reaction made my point brilliantly. Now substitute "redneck" for "Arabs" or "Palestinians." It ain't so fun being on the receiving end, is it?

Have a good day and may all of you people quit spewing your garbage. You're making us Americans look bad.

Joan

I just saw the baby wipe picture.
As the father of a baby, I can report that some babywipes (some are better than others) make excellent handwipes, being cleansing (like an alcohol wipe) as well as moisturizing (like hand cream). Some even have Aloe in them. Seeing as how Mr. Arafat spends a lot of time shaking people's hands, he would do well to cleanse his hands regularly.

You all must have very boring lives to have nothing better to do with them than wasting them here perpetuating this web site...pathetic!

With a face like his Id have baby wipes opn hand too...have you ever een anyone uglier..you cant tell his face from his ass...

learn to spell you stupid american jackass

it's fun to flip on arafat's baby wipes to counterhis desertion of the palestinian people's chance for their own state and prosperity.

yasser" ararafatt" betrays the palestinian people and promotes killing of innocent civilians., he will need more than baby wipes to cleanse his soul before Allah.

Baby wipes and hand wipes are basically the same thing, only packaged and labeled differently. Hand wipes are normally sold in individual packets. Baby wipes are sold in larger quantities per package/box - and, as all good Americans know, products bought in quantity are cheaper per item. I'm an American, Christian woman who thought of buying baby wipes for my Arab, Muslim husband who is a fanatic at keeping clean, as are the majority of Arabs and Muslims, given the chance. My husband thought it was strange at first, but he thought it was a good idea. I was tickled at Arafat's picture, seeing I wasn't the originator of the idea.

Whatever your politics, I think the character assassination going on on this message board based on baby wipes/hand wipes shows more about the infantalism of the writers than about Arafat. My 13 year old son has been telling me for the last few years of the kind of idiocies his schoolmates (both in the U.S. and where we're living now, the United Arab Emirates) have been torturing each other with, and many of these messages sound no different. The mechanism goes like this: (1) You decide you don't like someone. (2) You find something about that person you can use to insult them with. (3) You gleefully join in with others to torture them with the new found insult. (4) The game is so fun, you continue and look for other ammunition.

This whole thing was HYSTERICAL. You guys are terrific!!! Keep it up-this is the funniest thing I've read in weeks.