Israeli-Palestinian Impasse Likely to Persist after Sharon's Stroke

Interview with Phyllis Bennis, fellow at the Institute for Policy Studies, conducted by Scott Harris

After suffering a massive stroke on Jan. 4, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon lies in critical condition at a Jerusalem hospital. According to doctors, the extent of the 77-year-old former general's brain damage is not yet known, and he is unlikely to resume his duties in government.

While much of the U.S. media has described Sharon as "a man of peace," praising his unilateral withdrawal from the Gaza strip, many observers disagree. Sharon, who lead the 1982 Israeli invasion of Lebanon, is held responsible by many in the Arab world for the massacre of hundreds of Palestinians in the Sabra and Shatilla refugee camps in Beirut. Many critics also believe Sharon's construction of a separation wall and expansion of West Bank settlements have been an obstacle to peace.

Before his stroke, polls predicted that Israeli voters would have re-elected Sharon in a March 28th parliamentary ballot. Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, is likely to take Sharon's place leading the new Kadima party in the coming election. Palestinians are scheduled to hold their own parliamentary ballot on Jan. 25. Between the Lines' Scott Harris spoke with Phyllis Bennis, a fellow at the Institute for Policy Studies, who examines Ariel Sharon's legacy and the shape of Middle East politics after his departure from the political scene.

Phyllis Bennis' latest book is titled, "Challenging Empire: How People, Governments and the U.N. Defy U.S. Power." Contact the Institute by calling (202) 234-9382 or visit their website at www.ips-dc.org.

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