Arab leaders opened their summit here as their Palestinian counterpart, Yasser Arafat, appealed in a satellite linkup from the West Bank for international protection for his people against Israeli military assault. Speaking to a meeting also aimed at debating US military actions in Iraq and US-promoted Arab political reform, Arafat urged the leaders of the 22-member Arab League to foster international pressure for a peace settlement and protection for the Palestinians. “I proclaim here before you and the world our commitment to a peace of the brave,” said Arafat, wearing his trademark black and white checkered headdress. He said only negotiations based on the internationally drafted roadmap for Palestinian-Israeli peace, which includes calls for the creation of a Palestinian state, would achieve security for both Israel and the Palestinians. Full Story