Al Jazeera -- I assume trying to triangulate some measure of credibility they've lost the last several years -- aired an important investigation by Clayton Swisher: "What Killed Arafat? An investigation into the mysterious death of the late Palestinian leader reveals that he may have been poisoned." Al Jazeera reports evidence of polonium -- the poison that killed Russian whistleblower Alexander Litvinenko -- on Arafat's clothing. The PA -- which has been far worse that useless on this and much else, and less skilled at triangulating than Al Jazeera -- indicates it will move forward on exhumation of Arafat's body. [Update: The NYT reported on the anticipated PA move, which the PA is apparantly already backing away from.]
Here's an exchange on CNN from March 29, 2002 (he died on Nov. 11 [add: 2004]) which gives a sense of the political context of Arafat's final days:
...
AMANPOUR: Do you believe, Mr. Arafat, that they are trying to kill you, trying to harm you?
ARAFAT: What do they expect by shelling us continuously in the last 24 hours? What do you think...
AMANPOUR: Secretary of State Colin Powell has spoken to you, I understand. He has also spoken publicly and called on you to rein in the violence. What do you make of that statement, and can you and will you rein in that violence?
ARAFAT: Are you asking me why am I under complete siege? You're a wonderful journalist. You have to respect your profession.
AMANPOUR: Mr. Arafat, I'm asking you simply a question.
ARAFAT: No, you have to be --
AMANPOUR: Are you able to rein in the violence?
ARAFAT: You have to be accurately when you are speaking with General Yasser Arafat. Be quiet!
AMANPOUR: Mr. Arafat, what did you make of Colin Powell's statement?
ARAFAT: You are covering with such questions these terrorist activities of the Israeli occupation and the Israeli crimes. Take care (ph) not to make these fatal mistakes.
AMANPOUR: Can I ask --
ARAFAT: Thank you. Bye-bye.
Full transcript. Video.
@AliAbunimah is doing followup.