Lab tests revive Arafat death theories

JERUSALEM -- The discovery of traces of a radioactive agent on clothing reportedly worn by Yasser Arafat in his final days reignited a cauldron of conspiracy theories Wednesday about the mysterious death of the longtime Palestinian leader.

Arafat's widow, who ordered the tests by a Swiss lab, called for her husband's body to be exhumed, and Arafat's successor gave tentative approval for an autopsy. But experts warned that even after the detection of polonium-210, getting answers on the cause of death will be tough.

Arafat, 75, died Nov. 11, 2004, in a French military hospital after being confined by Israel for three years to his West Bank headquarters. At the time, French doctors said Arafat died of a massive brain hemorrhage. According to medical records, he suffered inflammation, jaundice and a blood condition known as disseminated intravascular coagulation, or DIC. But the records were inconclusive about what brought about the DIC.

The uncertainty sparked speculation about the cause of death. Many in the Arab world believe he was killed by Israel, which held him responsible for the bloody Palestinian uprising of the early 2000s. Israeli officials have repeatedly denied foul play.

That debate was reignited after a Swiss lab said Wednesday that it had discovered traces of polonium-210 in clothing and other belongings provided by Arafat's wife, Suha. She told the lab that Arafat had used the items in his final days. -- AP