World Report: January 13, 2006 Vol. 11 Iss. 14
- This Issue:
- Table of Contents
- Cover Story
- Cover Story - Spanish Version
- Mini-Lesson
- Comprehension Quiz
- Teacher's Guide and Worksheets
Israel's Leader Fights for His Life
The struggle for peace in the Middle East hit an unexpected snag last week. Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon (shuh-rone), 77, suffered a severe stroke. A blood vessel burst in his brain. Doctors operated on his brain twice, and kept him asleep for days with powerful drugs.
Even if he recovers, he will not likely serve as prime minister again. His deputy, Ehud Olmert, acts as prime minister in Sharon's absence.
Palestinians and Israelis claim the same land. Sharon's actions in the Israeli army as a soldier and general, and as the nation's leader, have angered Palestinians. But recently, he has made compromises with Palestinians.
Last summer, he evacuated Jewish settlements from Palestinian-controlled Gaza. This move was something Palestinians had wanted for a long time, and it angered many Israelis. Palestinians do not know if Israel's next leader will follow Sharon's plan.
Israelis are scheduled to elect new leaders on March 28. Sharon's party had been expected to win. Now everything seems less certain. "I'm worried about the future of this country," said Rafael Levy, an engineer from Tel Aviv.
Uncertainty was one thing Israelis and Palestinians had in common last week.
