I don't think big dogie forgot that some would see Arafat as a freedom fighter, I think he decided which opinion he has.
I'd call Arafat a fighter, but not a freedom fighter, since he squandered MANY opportunities to help his people, and spent much of his time fighting Israel and fighting to maintain his grip on power, even when the fight was a mistake.
Arafat was a throwback to an older tribal style of rule. Let's hope that Palestinians will leave that behind and create some viable civil institutions.
His symbolism to his people was much more important than anything he did for them since probably 1974.
He was reponsible for the killing of a lot of people, and specifically the targeting of women and children. I don't care what you say about the crimes of Israel's army or leaders, they never targeted women and children, and have gone to great lengths NOT to harm women and children. Can't say that about Arafat.
Flame away, freedom fighters.