World News A La Mexicana: Sharon's life in risk: a new route for peace?

The Middle East is living a key moment in the peace process between Israel and Palestine. After the severe stroke that has Sharon’s life in danger, the future for Israel and Palestine is uncertain.

Ariel Sharon has been a very important actor in the Middle East peace process. He has taken a radical position first as a member of the Israel armed forces and then as a member of the Likud party. Since his election as Prime Minister in 2001, his right-wing policy marked the tough and beliscist attitude towards Palestine. Recently he changed to a moderate vision by forming some weeks ago a right-centered party: Kadima. This young party is now debating about the next steps to follow in case Sharon will not be leading it anymore. They are trying to stick to Sharon's ideas and actions, in order to keep adepts towards next March elections.

The retreat from Gaza was the last action that showed Sharon's change of policy and an approach to negotiation with the PLO. The Palestinian people as well as the international community are worried about the future of the conflict without Sharon. Iran and the Palestinian radical-wing, support the most fatalistic visions. On the other hand, the moderated Palestinian wing is hoping for the recovery of the Israeli leader and for the continuity of the peace process negotiations.

I think we must see the context as an impasse in the Middle East, many things could be jeopardized if the radical wings of both sides win power in the government or the public opinion. The actors in this conflict should keep alert to manage new conditions and more skeptical and radical wings. Also, it is important to follow-up the coming elections.

Related News Articles:
El Financiero (Spanish)
Ariel Sharon sufre derrame cerebral
Reuters
Doctors battle to save Sharon after severe stroke
El Mundo (Spanish)
Sharon anuncia que con su nuevo partido trabajará para 'la paz con los palestinos'
Biografía: Ariel Sharon

Tags: Current events, International, In the News, News and Politics, Israel, Palestine, Ariel Sharon

1 Comments:

At 06 January, 2006 09:44, Juanita said...: Thanks for your comment at my blog on this issue. We do disagree as to perspective on Sharon, who frankly was always a realist regarding the Palestinian-Arab situation. Like all other PM's of Israel, he has been willing to negotiate and make concessions for peace. Unfortunately the Palestinian side has not honored the Oslo agreement or any other agreements, and so the peace has wound up in a 'dead end'.

It is a shame too that there seems to be no real "moderate" wing-- at least none with any real power or pull.

If the Palestinians work at developing infrastructure and peaceful co-existence, they will find Israel more than a willing partner. If they cannot bring themselves to stop villifying Jews and Israelis, there is no telling what the future will bring. Let us hope that it brings peace.