Since Yasser Arafat died last week, conflicting rumors have swirled around the cause of his final demise. Everything from a rare blood disease to a liver condition or even AIDS has been suggested as the reason for the PLO Chairman's death. Some Palestinian terrorist organizations like Hamas and Islamic Jihad have even fueled false rumors claiming Arafat was poisoned by Israel.

French law prohibits medical records from being given to anybody but family members, even after the death of a patient. So far, Arafat's wife, Suha, has refused to allow anybody, even Palestinian political leaders, a chance to see Arafat's medical dossier.

The truth may soon be known, however, due to a plan to get around the privacy restrictions. French authorities are going to give Arafat's medical dossier to Nasser al-Kidwa, a newphew of the late PA president. Al-Kidwa is also the Palestinian's ambassador to the United Nations. French law does not specify how closely related one has to be to gain access to the medical documents. It is also unclear if Arafat's widow needs to give permission for the release to another relative. Al-Kidwa has said he will share the information with the PA.

Hopefully, with the release of the information, the truth will soon be known.