Powell: Loosen Arafat's Confinement

Powell suggested that Arafat's confinement to his Ramallah compound has inhibited his ability to deliver guidance and instructions to his subordinates.

"I think the more access he is given, the opportunity he is given to show whether or not he can control forces or bring this security situation under control," Powell said on NBC's Meet the Press.

Israel has confined Arafat to his Ramallah headquarters since December. He has had access to only a few rooms of his offices since Israeli troops overran the compound three weeks ago.

"If he moves onto that new path and makes the very best effort he can to stay on the path and convince the Palestinian people that is the right path to lead to a Palestinian state, then there is much the United States can do for him and the peace process," Powell said.