Avi Shlaim on Israel killing Sheikh Yassin. This after Yassin ordered hundreds of terrorist attack against Israeli civilians killing and maiming thousands of Israelis. To let Shlaim the fool know, terrorism is down 90% since this mass murderer Yassin was killed. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2004/mar/28/israel The decision to execute Yassin has to be seen in this light. Some Ministers and the director of the internal security service opposed the proposal on the grounds that it was illegal and would only increase the violence, but the majority voted in favour. It transpired that the cabinet decided to eliminate not just Yassin but the entire Hamas leadership in response to the double suicide bombing in the port of Ashdod. This means that Israel will strike at Hamas leaders whenever opportunities present themselves, not only in retaliation. Israeli strikes will be followed, inevitably and inexorably, by Palestinian retaliation with suicide bombs. This is a recipe for violence and bloodshed without any hope. Sharon has truly opened the gates of hell.