The first thing one notices about Yasser Arafat is not his chequered headscarf, folded in the shape of the map of Palestine; not his surprisingly short stature; not even his trembling lips or pale hands. What catches the eye is a shimmering layer of lapel badges that cover his khaki tunic. Mr Arafat proudly looks down at the pin-cushion that is his chest, and points out some of his favourites: a gilded menorah offered by the little Samaritan community in Nablus; a boy scout’s badge; a cross made by an Israeli and a Palestinian flag, symbol of the Israeli peace movement; and several emblems of pro-Palestinian friendship groups around the world. Full Story