From a reader:
The key thing for public commentators is to recognize that self-indulgence is just that, and does nothing positive.
Although we can agree that Arafat was very bad, or evil, or wicked, or what have you, he is/was nevertheless the symbolic figure of Palestinian nationhood for several millions of human beings. Unless you want to simply dismiss those millions, it is probably best to greet the death of Arafat with silence.