Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon developed a spirit of peace between them that augured well for peace between their people in the Middle East. But, just years ago, no one could have foreseen Sharon’s Saul of Tarsus-like conversion from a Zionist warrior hell-bent on subjugating Palestinians, to a Jewish leader more committed to their liberation than their former leader of 35 years, Yasser Arafat.
Over the past year, international political observers have had one timorous eye fixated on nation building amongst fractious Iraqis – looking for any cracks that might cause their democratic building blocks to come crashing down like a house of cards. Meanwhile, they had the other more hopeful eye focused on the roadmap to peace between Israelis and Palestinians – marveling in each step they took toward peaceful coexistence as two internationally sovereign states.
Therefore, it is profoundly ironic that this year has begun with nation building in Iraq hemorrhaging but standing firm, whilst peace between Israel and Palestine appearing utterly forlorn of hope. Admittedly, it is a curious thing that peace between two countries could rest on the fragile heart of one man. But it is undeniable that, with Sharon suddenly fighting for his life, the prospect for peace now seems even worse than Sharon’s chances for survival.
Click here to see why having Sharon navigate the roadmap to peace provided such assurance to Jews and Palestinians alike.
Get well Ariel…
Note: Sharon’s grave condition has prompted dire predictions of internecine power struggles in Israel and Palestine respectively, and of a resumption of Intifada-style hostilities between Jews and Palestinians. I am more optimistic, however, that new leaders will soon emerge from Sharon’s new Kadima Party to carry-out his mission of peace, and that the Palestinians will finally defy former Israeli foreign minister Abba Eban who once said, rather prophetically, that:
“The Palestinians have never missed an opportunity to miss an opportunity [for peace].”
UPDATE: This morning, traditional media outlets are following every report on Sharon’s worsening condition with a crudely-timed report on Christian fanatic Rev Pat Robertson’s pronouncement that God struck down Sharon “for daring to divide and give away His land.”
You may recall that this is the same “man of God” who prayed aloud for Bush to assassinate Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. But he certainly makes it difficult for Christian fundamentalists to spew moral indignation at Muslim fanatics, like Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, without having anyone with any sense just laugh in their faces!
Technorati Tags: Ariel Sharon, Israel, Pat Robertson
Anonymous says
Thank you. This is a great tribute.
Semanticleo says
It is sad, but apparently inevitable
that his courageous attempt to
revolutionize the national political
landscape will not prevail.
Business as usual will continue
there, just as it will here without
men of moral courage who have
the talent to inspire.
Anonymous says
Semanticleo,
You are so right. We know that Netanyahu cannot fill Sharon’s shoes but I know he can’t wait to jump into them. But I hope ALH is right that some one from Kadima will carry on his mission.
Jennifer
Mary Ballard-Bernstein says
My sentiments exactly Jennifer and Semanticleo very well put.
allie says
This is so sad. He was saying just days ago how he was going on a diet. It’s so unfair.
Semanticleo, I disagree that it will be business as usual. I know that’s what all the pundits say but I share ALH’s optimism.
BTW: Great new bio ALH. You are even more interesting than I imagined. May I call you Anthony now?
Anonymous says
I’m sorry but I agree with the pundits. Things are going to get really nasty and Netanyhu is the only one the Israelis can depend on to hit the Hamas terrorists will all of Israels might.
whipoorwill says
I always bet on your predictions !
You must be the reincarnation of
Michel Nostradomus or Rely solely
on LOGIC and Truth ! WHIPOORWILL