I read medical bloggers, and a lot of them seem to think it might have been a form of cirrhosis of the liver not associated with drinking, nor displaying similar symptoms: not an easy diagnosis, at least until the very end, and with a lot of damage to other organs to confuse the issue.

I also understand that French privacy law does not allow disclosure, or even much discussion, of medical information by doctors.

The widow left with “the” medical records? This from a modern fully-equipped facility? What, no computers – or even Xeroxes? If the nephew wants them and French law says he can have them, a copy should be available.

In the context of the WOT and the possibilities of this type of device, what were Arafat’s ideas about using one? One can only think that the proximity of the Palestinian refugee camps were the deterrent, not any moral scruple or tactical disadvantages.

If you ask me, the existence of Suha is the real puzzle; not that Arafat might have exposed himself to disease by promiscuity in other ways.

Lots of other ways seem possible with a creature like Arafat.

But this is precious. The longer they keep the records secret, the dirtier everyone will assume they are.

Arafat was in credit.

Mind you his widow now has prospects if she smartens up and remodels herself as Mrs Arathin she might be in with a chance,wouldn’t do to have a nasty medical condition.

It would fit the whole Godfather kind of thing they have going here.

And I think Arafat could well have had Aids.

Has anyone noticed the film clip with Arafat sitting there in his jumpsuit and this big man is sitting next to him holding his hand? Arafat raises the man’s hand to kiss it and the man pulls his hand away from Arafat and instead kisses Arafat’s hand. But he obviously did not want Arafat’s mouth anywhere near him.

Can’t say as I blame him.