Sharon, with 2 strokes in as many weeks, the last one major, and with a hole in his heart, appears to be of downspiraling health. Just when Iraeli/Palestine negotiations were starting to bear fruit, just as Kadima (Sharon's cult of personality political party) was staking out a middle ground and pulling members from both sides of the spectrum. God/Allah must truly have a grudge against the middle east... erm, I mean what bad luck this is.

I agree completely.

I shall be very sad to see him die as I think he's a man who has grown beyond the crimes of his past and genuinely seeks a peaceful solution. Unfortunately for the middle-ground, Shimon Peres is certainly getting on a bit too.

With Sharon's influence gone Netenyahu will have a cakewalk at the next election and things will not look good for the future of the Middle-East.

Fingers crossed for his continuing health.

Well the Palestinians definitely don't share that sentiment, they are all hoping he dies a very painful death.

They're not smart enough to know not to look a gift horse in the mouth, though. Sharon's policy-making the last 5 years was an about face from the decades before. It doesn't make him a good guy by any stretch, but the old haggard dog was tired of fighting and finally wanted peace.

Well, even if he does recover, he won't be in the position to work again. Besides, things don't look too hopeful at the moment.

Ehud Olmert (n. 2 in Kadima) will take these elections. he has now according to the surveys 43/120 seats. Likud only 16 and labor party 17.