Why is Sharon so popular?



Ariel Sharon is the longest-serving Israeli prime minister in well over a decade and the first to be re-elected since 1988.

Despite abandonment by his traditional constituency, the Israeli religious and secular right, and even large swathes of the leadership and rank-and-file of the party he founded, the Likud, polls show his popularity remaining at remarkably high levels for a veteran prime minister.

An Israel Channel 10 television poll released at the weekend showed that 61 percent of Israelis approve of Sharon's job performance, versus 29 percent who disapprove.

The poll also showed that the public supports Sharon's disengagement plan by an even wider margin - 63 percent to 26 percent.

What explains Sharon's popularity? What role has news coverage played? Is support for the disengagement tied to Sharon's popularity, or is his approval rating a reflection of popular backing for a withdrawal from Gaza?





What you think





Sharon's actions stem from devotion and love for the Jewish people.
Abraham Cykiert, Mulgrave Vic., Australia

Ariel Sharon is the last remainder of a generation that founded Israel with spirit, devotion and love for the Jewish people. Unlike today's young leaders, who treat the state as a means to achieve a political end, Sharon is a man who truly has his heart in every action he takes. Slowly, Jews and non-Jews alike are coming to realize this. Our sages said of this "Devarim Hayotsim min halev nikhnasim lalev", which means things that come from the heart find their way into hearts. Unfortunately, some people don't have the heart to appreciate the steps taken by the Israeli prime minister.
Abraham Cykiert, Mulgrave Vic., Australia



He is a pragmatic realist coupled with a bull dogs tanacity of a regular jack-in-the box bugs bunny style habit of surviving.
Leander Jones, Silt, United States of America



Sharon is not so popular. He was overwhelmingly elected on a platform which declared that no more Jewish settlements would be dismantled.

He then, arbitrarily, abandoned that platform and began a campaign to dismantle settlements and transfer Jews from their homes.

If he is really so popular why is he afraid to hold a referendum?
Gary Cooperberg, Kiryat Arba, Israel





Ariel Sharon's popularity appears to be caused by the lack of alternatives.
Jan Pieter Verhey, Huizen, The Netherlands

Ariel Sharon's popularity appears to be caused by the lack of alternatives. Miraculously, he stands out in the confused crowds of left-wing messianics and right-wing fanatics. When the sand keeps shaking some rocks float upwards.
Jan Pieter Verhey, Huizen, The Netherlands



Sharon is a Statesman who is willing to put "country before political party" and for that he deserves respect. He also deserves admiration for taking a stand against the settlements, recognizing the change in the political landscape since 1967. Sharon has served his country magnificently and deserves respect, admiration and gratitude.
Stephen Maitland-Lewis, Beverly Hills, California, United States of America





You either love him or hate him.
Jonny K, Toronto, Canada

You either love him or hate him.
It's funny that Sharon is a figure where Arab and Jewish extremists can agree: they all hate him.

I personally think he is doing a great and bold thing for Israel. He, along with Peres are the last of the first generation, and the way I see it, they both have realised that before they leave this world, they must correct the decades old problem of Israel today. Israel is in the throngs of a socially, politically and economically draining occupation. Sharon trying to end it is a very honourable measure, which both the Right and Left can agree to.
Jonny K, Toronto, Canada



Ariel Sharon is one of the foremost political gangsters of our time.
Jardar Myhr, Nesoddtangen, Norway



Well - who is standing in the wings to take over with an overwhelmingly engaging alternative? Old Shimon? Yossi Beilen? Yossi Sarid?
Ellen Dlott, Beer-Sheva, Israel



Sharon is popular because there is no one of his stature to replace him in what must be the worst prime ministerial office in the world.

He is a fighter but no diplomat. Nor can he be trusted. He deliberately walked on Temple Mount to prove unrest and thus gain power because he is:

1- power-hungry or
2- he sincerely believes that he is the only one capable of bringing peace.

However, if I were Israeli I might as well vote for him-because he is the only politician with authority-but I would feel nauseated.
Jacqueline Joseph, London , United Kingdom



Sharon is basically popular because he has found the golden midway between uncompromising and peacemaking.
Daniel Katz, Copenhagen, Denmark



Mr. Sharon is popular, because he was and still is willing to make concessions.

Sharon has a lion hidden not-so-well behind his face, so that may change later, although I still like him very much. He hasn´t turned into a liberal democrat yet.
Lukacs Peter Varga, Budapest, Hungary





He is a much deeper person than Arafat was. Arafat was a clown and a lying thief, Sharon is a statesman.
Ilana Ilaide, Narrandera, Australia

I think Ariel Sharon has great courage and he is someone who understands the Middle East situation better than many, especially those who live outside Israel and try and preach to Israelis how they should go about their affairs.

Ariel Sharon is also a human being (albeit a mensch), and human beings do make mistakes and he would probably be the first to admit to his mistakes.

Personally I have always admired him and he would have my vote if I was living in Israel.

He understands what the majority of Israelis want and also what needs to be done most of the time to achieve it despite the opposition of others.

He has been reviled by many and called a war criminal by others but I think he is not. He is a man who has lived his life truthfully, true to his convictions and beliefs.

He is a much deeper person than Arafat was. Arafat was a clown and a lying thief, Sharon is a statesman.

I should just say "I think he is a bloody great guy! Pity they don't have a few more like him."

He is also able to change with the times and the situation which shows intelligence. No wonder he has a high approval rating.
Ilana Ilaide, Narrandera, Australia



In a nation of criminals and thieves, a super criminal and war criminal should be very popular.

That is the rest of the world's opinion (off camera, of course).
Fares Raslan, Cleveland, United States of America





It is true that he is popular with the Leftist media elite in Israel, so they keep saying he is popular, hoping that saying it will make it so, but, I, who worked as a volunteer for his election feel betrayed by his lies and deceit.
Barry Kochba, Tel Aviv, Israel

Who says Sharon is popular?

It is true that he is popular with the Leftist media elite in Israel, so they keep saying he is popular, hoping that saying it will make it so, but, I, who worked as a volunteer for his election feel betrayed by his lies and deceit.

The Left is a minority in Israel, and among the Right who supported him, he is not at all popular. Believe me, if a Labor party Prime Minister acted like Sharon has to their traditional voters, that PM would be raked over the coals every day!
Barry Kochba, Tel Aviv, Israel



I think Sharon has seen the chance and he's taking it. It's simple; He saw that he needed to take this step on it, even though he knew he was going to be the target of the religious parties.

I admire Sharon for all that he did for the land of Israel and I think my opinion [of Sharon]gets stronger when I see the steps he continues to take.
Manuel Cantalejos Goldstein, Madrid, Spain



The only way to understand the psyque of Mr. Sharon at the time of taking decisions, is to live in Israel for a long time and get to the deep roots of the conflict

Mistreated by the press as a ruthless and stubborn rightwing individual, these journalists do not probably really understand what is to be born and keep your entire life defending your land and home from those who want to obliterate you instead of enjoying a cozy room in front of a fireplace watching TV.
Manuel Gwiazda, Buenos Aires, Argentina



I think that Sharon's popularity is because of his patriotism for Israel.

His agressive manner, inhumanity and brutality, express the real Jewish mentality.

I wish that we Arabs one day will have such a patriot in leadership.
Osama Halabi, Moscow, Russia



He is popular simply because most Israelis think he is doing what is good for the country.

He ran for prime minister on a 'peace and security' ticket, and it seems like he actually meant what he said.
Anna Veeder, Haifa, Israel





The Israeli (as distinct from Jewish) public must be bonkers.
Choni & Miriam Davidowitz, Durban, South Africa

The Israeli (as distinct from Jewish) public must be bonkers.

[Those who] can support a Prime Minister who has caused so much disunity amongst his people must be insane.

I and my wife who unfortuntely live in exile but have large families all over Israel are at "war" with many of them,
all because of this liar and betrayer of his voters.

History will judge him as a dictator and a fool.
Choni & Miriam Davidowitz, Durban, South Africa



Sharon has changed his mind since the death of Arafat and may be on the right way to peace.
Apelbaum Apell, Cannes, France





I support Sharon. As a long-time member of a kibbutz and the Labor Party, I can't believe that I'm saying these words, but here they are.
Elad Lending, Yahel, Israel

I support Sharon. As a long-time member of a kibbutz and the Labor Party, I can't believe that I'm saying these words, but here they are:

"I support Sharon." Twenty years ago I reviled the man for leading us into the shameful Lebanon misadventure, which undermined Menachem Begin, an honorable man, stained the honor of Israel, and caused the needless death of a close IDF comrade.

As Sharon said, "Things look different from here than they do from there." I say, if he can change, we all can change, and he's the only Israeli politician on the scene today who can pull it off.
Elad Lending, Yahel, Israel



Because Sharon describes with accuracy the Nazi ideology of many, fortunately, not all, Israelis:

Crimes in Sabra, Shatila, Gaza, West Bank and a rampant militarism.
Altan Medina, Putla, Mexico



Sharon is popular because he has earned the trust of his citizens over the years.

Ariel Sharon looks tough and unshakable. His quality of confidence is what makes people believe in him.
Khaim Kalontar, Forest Hills, United States of America





Sharon is so popular not only in Israel but in the whole world for one reason: He is the same as Hitler.
Sam Bsharat, Amman, Jordan

Sharon is so popular not only in Israel but in the whole world for one reason: He is the same as Hitler.

He has a history full of killing the Palestinians, a history of bloodshed that NONE of the Palestinians will ever forget.

He has the same popularity as Usama Bin Laden has. Both meet in killing and destroying people. He has killed thousands of Palestinians in Lebanon and has been killing thousands and thousands.

If there was justice on earth, Sharon would have been executed long time ago.
Sam Bsharat, Amman, Jordan



He has saved Israel from defeat on at least two important occasions.

Though I am less convinced than he that he has a valid partner for peace, he has earned the right to reach for it as he sees fit, even at this great risk.
Graham Raelbrook, Los Angeles, United States of America



Sharon is a great warrior; one who saved Israel in 1973 during the Yom Kippur War.

Sharon must save Israel again by not giving up one inch to those that seek Israel's destruction.
D. Vinnikov, NY, United States of America





The lemmings love him because he actually wants to give parts of the Land of Israel to the Nazi-supporting Hamas, PA and terrorist and Holocaust-denier Abbas, all avowed enemies of Israel and the Jews. What's not to love?
Robert Harris, Chicago, United States of America

2 reasons:
1) His competition is so abysmally depressing, left and right, and

2) The lemmings love him because he actually wants to give parts of the Land of Israel to the Nazi-supporting Hamas, PA and terrorist and Holocaust-denier Abbas, all avowed enemies of Israel and the Jews. What's not to love?
Robert Harris, Chicago, United States of America





Most people like a big fat tough guy. I really love this man!
Lee Smith, Quincy, United States of America

Sharon is a military man that has a disarming personality. Most people like a big fat tough guy. I really love this man!
Lee Smith, Quincy, United States of America





Sharon will remain a hero only as long as he continues as a symbol of hope, and doesn't quash it at the very end.
James Adler, Boston, United States of America

Sharon has become a hero because he seems like a new man, who unites all responsible opinions, center and right and left, and so becomes a uniting father figure and symbol of strength and dignity, who brings dignity to Israel, as with our pride at the Israeli flag flying at Sharm el Sheikh, as well as the inspiration that if he can personally undergo such a renewal, so can Israel be renewed as a nation.

I hope he can sustain it. I hope peace doesn't become impossible because Sharon would reject an approximate package of peace terms that could satisfy everybody, such as these: no return of refugees, no more terrorism, Israel getting to annex for itself all the main adjacent settler blocks, Palestinian and regional recognition of Israel on these new permanent borders, and the Palestinians getting the rest of the occupied territories and equal compensatory land, and the Arab quarters of East Jerusalem as their capital.

If Sharon would reject such a peace, we would at the end arrive at only back at a renewed guerrilla war that again threatened world peace, including American as well as Israeli peace and security.

Shouldn't we be able to hope for feasible peace terms? If not, what hope will we ever be able to have? Sharon will remain a hero only as long as he continues as a symbol of hope, and doesn't quash it at the very end.
James Adler, Boston, United States of America



Today disengagement from Gaza and Jericho, tomorrow disengagement from Tel Aviv. Under a government like ours, we will be forced to live under the sea.
Eva Gerston, Modi'in, Israel



Ariel is a great leader and focuses on what he can win and how he should win. Arabs only understand force. Eventually, this will mean that Jordan, the de facto Palestine, will be come Palestine and there will not be a creation of a second Palestinian state, but that instead of the borders being the Jordan river it will be modified dividing up Judea and Samaria.

Thankfully, he also understands that while Europe may be powerful economically, its still anti-Semitic and would allow another Holocaust.

My only wish is that in addition to Orthodox control of Judaism in Israel that he allows for Masorti [traditional] Jewish acceptance and non Orthodox marriages in Israel.

Lastly, I'd like him to stop allowing non Jews on the Temple Mount, while banning Jews. Why don't the rabbis allow non-Jews to desecrate our holiest site? Either Jews should pray there or no one should be allowed.
David Landman, Natick, United States of America



A war hero, a visionary and a soon to be peace hero. The right wing in Israel could have never let a leftist dove to assume the responsibilities of peace and the withdrawal from territories that comes with it. Menahem Begin was also the right man that could offer peace with the Arabs because he was also from the same political spectrum as Sharon, a "hawk turned dove". He will be favorably judged by history because of his pragmatism and his vision but also for his love and sacrifice for Israel since heroes like this don't exist anymore.
Gabriel Ovadia, Montreal, Canada





He has a very strong personality, and he don't bow to Arabs.
Esther Gynther, Mikkeli, Finland

He has a very strong personality, and he don't bow to Arabs.

But I think he is making a big mistake in the withdrawal from Gaza, and it could cost his popularity.
Esther Gynther, Mikkeli, Finland





When I first came here 4 years ago I hated him, but it does appear that he has learned something during those years.
Phoenix Lawhon, Sde Boqer, Israel

Sharon is popular today because he has shown that when push comes to shove, he has the will and courage to do what needs to be done--whether it is fighting terror, building the separation fence or withdrawing from settlements.

When I first came here 4 years ago I hated him, but it does appear that he has learned something during those years.

Although he has made many mistakes in the past, he seems to have realized that moving towards peace and two states for two peoples is the only solution, and the majority of Israelis respect him for that.

The fact that he is from the Likud only gives him more support, since as they say, the right-wingers are best ones to make peace. Even better the war heroes.

He is probably the only one with enough political power to pull off a move like the disengagement--who better to finish the settlement enterprise than its builder?

But only after disengagement will we see what he is really up to--whether it is the first step in ending the occupation, or a tactical concession to allow strenghtening of the Israeli presence in the West Bank.
Phoenix Lawhon, Sde Boqer, Israel



Israelis want peace. Sharon represents to most Israelis the best hope of achieving it. That is the answer to your question.

However many of us, twenty-nine percent according to your poll, have a different question.

How can Ariel Sharon be so foolish as to believe that the creation of an irredentist Arab state will be anything but a greater danger to Israel?
Shalom Freedman, Jerusalem, Israel





As a non-moslem and a Jew, to go to the Dome on the Rock was a provocation to the followers of Islam. His popularity is due to the suicide bombings that followed that visit.
Christopher Linthwaite, Beverley, United Kingdom

Ariel Sharon is popular because of his treatment of the Palestinians.

As a non-moslem and a Jew, to go to the Dome on the Rock was a provocation to the followers of Islam.

His popularity is due to the suicide bombings that followed that visit.

Sharon has Jewish and Palestinian blood on his hands. The fact he had to do that was because of the massacre at Shatila and Sabra.

I cannot understand why Israelis of all the people in the world would elect a war criminal as their prime minister.
Christopher Linthwaite, Beverley, United Kingdom





He knows which end of the cannon produces peace!
Stude Ham, Outremont, Canada

He knows which end of the cannon produces peace!
Stude Ham, Outremont, Canada



Sharon is popular because he has always adhered to the Israeli spirit: In the 1950s, sixties and seventies he was part of and gave enthusiastic leadership to racist and criminal military behavior towards Palestinian civilians and fighters, which was fully acceptable in Israel at the time.

In the eighties, he was the leader of the settlement campaign, which was the best thing that Israelis thought they could do at that time.

And today again, he is part of and gives enthusiastic leadership to executing the main desire of Israeli society, which is: getting the hell out of the occupied territories.

The only thing one could blame him for is being too enthusiastic and too successful at executing the short-term and often messianic and unrealistic Israeli desires (the settlement program, the Lebanon campaign).
This time though, I wish he will be successful again.
Ernst de Beaufort, Amsterdam, The Netherlands



Really? Apart from the support of the left wing in Israel, surely he would be out of office by now.

Please, remember one cannot fool all the people all the time.

Take off your rose tints please.
Martin Cohen, Stevenage, United Kingdom



Who can forget the hero of the Six Day War?

Surely Arik learns from past betrayals.

His approval rating stems from many examples of his resolve and leadership, all of which reflect the supreme tactician's wisdom under fire.

It is time for the unconvinced 26% to rally round your elected leader. The other 63% have seen the mettle of this wise man and like what they see.
Al Stein, Mendocino, United States of America





I was never a great admirer of Sharon, but today he is our only hope to achieve peace and quiet with the Arabs.
Micha Menko, Amstelveen, The Netherlands

I was never a great admirer of Sharon, but today he is our only hope to achieve peace and quiet with the Arabs in the region and stand up and defeat the extreme right and religious fanatics.

Wish Sharon all the strength required to put the house and the region in order.
Micha Menko, Amstelveen, The Netherlands



Sharon is popular because he represents the way the average Israeli Jew thinks. Sharon is not popular because he satiated his people's thirst for revenge by destroying Gaza and killing and maiming so many Palestinians.
Khalid Suleiman, Jerusalem, Israel



He pulled Israel out from the nightmares of the intifada and the Yom Kippur War.
Milton Sternberg, Oakland, United States of America



Too much secularism. That is the only reason.
David Champ, Prescott, United States of America



Because of courage. I do not agree that pulling out of Gaza is right, but he is a man of strong ideas and will.
Richard Wenig, Show Low, United States of America



A two-edged sword so to speak. A useless and tepid response to murder by Arabs, the worst slaughter of civilian Jews since 1945. Sharon should have issued a declaration of war.

However, I support disengagement as it will make Israel stronger. I don't know eho else can pull it off.

And, for the next PM, an Israel with defined borders will be a far stronger foe both politically and militarily than they now are.
Ron Bowitz, Santa Ana, United States of America





If he had been Chief of Staff of the Polish Army between 1937 and 1939, the Nazis would have been halted.
Izaac Mendel, Melbourne, Australia

Because if he had been Chief of Staff of the Polish Army between 1937 and 1939, the Nazis would have been halted.
Izaac Mendel, Melbourne, Australia



To be a Jewish and democratic country or to favor occupying another nation, is the choice of existence or destruction of Israel.

I support Mr. Sharon's plan.

Without concessions, you may lose all.
Ma Xiaolin, Beijing, China





Maybe things look different from afar. He is not very popular here among the Israelis living in Los Angeles.
Batya Dagan, Los Angeles, United States of America

I am dumbfounded by the assumption that Sharon is popular. How could that be when he tore the nation to pieces and brought the nation to the brink of civil war over the evacuation from of Gaza? Maybe things look different from afar. He is not very popular here among the Israelis living in Los Angeles.
Batya Dagan, Los Angeles, United States of America





Ariel Sharon has shown the world that all his actions were justified. He knew, despite all the international pressure, what was needed to make a long term peace viable.
Ilan Cuperstein, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Ariel Sharon has shown the world that all his actions were justified. He did what had to be done by striking hard at terrorism and then turned his attention to the peace process. He knew, despite all the international pressure, what was needed to make a long term peace viable.
Ilan Cuperstein, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil



Why is he so popular? It's no big deal. It is always a simple matter for leaders like Sharon to drag the people along.

The people can always be brought to the bidding of such leaders. That is easy.

All they have to do is tell the people they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger.

Sharon understands this.
Mark Marshall, Toronto, Canada





Sharon will go down in history as the last prime minister of Israel, because he is leading Israel to national suicide.
Eli Reuven, Newton, United States of America

Who says he's popular? With whom?

Sharon will go down in history as the last prime minister of Israel, because he is leading Israel to national suicide.
Eli Reuven, Newton, United States of America



Could be that many Israelis view Sharon as the Winston Churchill of Israel?
Sam Tadrus, Moberly, MO, United States of America





For the life of me I do not see why Sharon is so popular. Hasn't Jericho always been a part of the inheritance of the Jews, and should it not be so today? As a non-Jew correct me if I am wrong or in another world.
W. Hutchinson, Toronto, Canada

For the life of me I do not see why Sharon is so popular. It only added to the mystery when I learned today that Jericho in the West Bank is being handed over to the Palestinians. Jericho of all places. Joshua and the Battle of Jericho! Hasn't Jericho always been a part of the inheritance of the Jews, and should it not be so today? As a non-Jew correct me if I am wrong or in another world.
W. Hutchinson, Toronto, Canada



Because at the start of his prime ministership he refused to deal with Arafat and destroyed much of the Palestinian terror base the situation has become so much more bearable.
Ben Solomon, New York, United States of America



Beats me and trying to think of an answer gives me a headache. Great tactician and lousy strategist who never had a plan when he ran for prime minister. Let's hope the Palestinians and settlers don't give him a reason to continue on his merry way.
David Kat, Amsterdam, The Netherlands



This is a moment of hope. Hope is eternally popular. Any leader who appears attuned to hope would be popular. Sharon's ultimate popularity test is ahead, when hope encounters crunch.
Myron Arons, Carrollton, United States of America





He's not - it's a media fabrication.
Sam Gorin, New York, United States of America

He's not - it's a media fabrication.

That belief come from the same "newspaper" polls - the same ones that never question the disengagement in any way shape or form.

The same "newspapers" that tow the line for the government and hate anyone mid-stream or right-leaning.
Sam Gorin, New York, United States of America



Sharon is so popular because he ordered the killing of 3000 Palestinian women and children in Sabra and Shatila in Lebanon in the mid-80's.

That's why we will never forget him, never.
Rayyan Rayyan, Dearborn , United States of America



Sharon buys his popularity by tough words but does not see the future consequences, a national fault.

The lack of diplomatic experience does not support him at the next step, so when will it all catch up?
Harold Dresner Dresner, Karmiel, Israel





Only someone totally disconnected from reality can explain Sharon's popularity among Israelis.
David Howard, Ojai, California, United States of America

Only someone totally disconnected from reality can explain Sharon's popularity among Israelis. He is almost universally condemned as a crook, an opportunist and - most importantly - a vicious war criminal. Only in right-wing circles in the U.S. and among mainstream Israelis is he viewed as something less than a complete failure and hideous violator of human rights. Wake up, Israelis!
David Howard, Ojai, California, United States of America



This is Arik Sharon we're talking about! Israel's warrior! Whether one agrees or disagrees with his political ideas, no one can deny his political wile. Always calculating, and usually on the right side of history, every politician in the world can learn a lesson or two from Ariel Sharon. Right now, I believe his popularity stems from the fact that he is the only politician in Israel who can dismantle the settlements. The settlers now may view Arik as public enemy #1, but soon they will see the inevtiability of his move and that it was the right decision. Surely Sharon will go down in Israel's history as a great Zionist, a great Israeli and a great Jew - irrelevant of one's political standing.
Yehuda Goldstein, Boston, United States of America



Sharon is popular in Israel because he maintains the discrimination against non-Jews and refuses the return of the Palestinian refugees. He is reflecting what the majority of the Israelis are: racist and discriminating.
Sami Aldeeb, Lausanne, Switzerland



Sharon has never held his head in the clouds, never dreamt of unrealistic opportunities.

Everyone knows that unless there is a real partner for peace, Israel will never make any serious concessions that will dramatically jeopardize its security.

It was Sharon who had the strength to go against international "pressure" and build a fence to protect Israeli lives. And hopefully it will be him who removes that fence and bring about lasting peace with a Palestinian leadership that doesn't incite, steal from their people and encourages suicide bombings.
Gabriel G, San Francisco, United States of America





Sharon and Peres are giants surrounded by pygmies.
Richard Cohen, United Kingdom

Sharon and Peres are giants surrounded by pygmies.

It is patently obvious that Sharon understands what the nation needs and where it should go in the future.

Sharon is genuine. Unlike Netanyahu, who seems an utter opportunist.

Sharon's history speaks for itself. He achieved great things for the nation,
Richard Cohen, United Kingdom



Sharon got himself involved in the disengagement too far to go back.

What's more, he actually has the ability to carry it out, a fact which has given the left-of center population in Israel sufficient reason to support him.

Israelis have come to believe that he is the only option that remains - Netanyahu is too indecisive and Peres technically never won an election.

It is likely we shall be seeing Sharon around for quite some time.
David Nidorf, Karmiel, Israel





Bravo Arik ... from a goy who often got mad at you but always had faith in ya!
Daniel Teodoru, New York City, United States of America

American Jews HATED Richard Nixon and wept when he won in 1968. But, in 1972, they loved him, secretly contributed to his election and voted for him en masse. The neocons were born.

Similarly, Sharon is admired because he is the NIXON OF THE MIDEAST-- using his superior power to make a peace fair to all. Of course, things were rough and shaky for a while; but in the end, like Nixon, Sharon pulls off a peace that may smell bad but will taste very, very good.

Bravo Arik ... from a goy who often got mad at you but always had faith in ya!
Daniel Teodoru, New York City, United States of America



Sharon has devoted his life to the State of Israel, and he always has and still is portrayed as a person who cannot be intimidated. This and the fact that he has shifted from the 'right' to the 'center' has given him a much larger supporter base.

These are the reasons, and this is the reality. Plain and Simple.
Seth Cohen, Miami, United States of America



Sharon is popular because he had the strength to take action when it was needed and delivered security to a population who demanded to see it under difficult circumstances. This was a time when people in Israel needed a strong leader amidst a spectrum of chaotic events and an array of different opinions.
Sebastian Kornhauser, London, United Kingdom



Polls reflect little more than whimsy. Sharon is an example of how yesterday's hero can quickly become today's villain.

At present, he is vilified by the fanatic nationalists on the right while he has long been despised by the left.

If he manages to survive an attempt on his life from the right wing fanatics, he may still regain his status as the darling of the right. After pulling out of Gaza and the token four settlements in the West Bank, he may revert to his old intransigent self and refuse to budge any further. Then what will the fickle Israeli public say in their polls?
Yaakov Sullivan, New York, United States of America



Don't forget Sharon was very close to Ben Gurion. So maybe he learned something from the First Prime Minister and his Mapainik way of thinking.
Yonatan Yoni, Givataiym, Israel



Besides being one of Israel's last living dinosaurs still around, the man practically saved Israel during the war.

We owe him our support until he loses his mind ... maybe this is the time?
Gabriel Bouganim, Montreal, Canada



He is? Says who? There are quite a few on the left and right wings who would disagree.
Stella Parks, Tel Aviv, Israel






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