The Middle East is a place where the only constant is conflict. Men have built entire political careers upon it, either by prolonging it or by trying to end it. One of the most enduring characters in the topsy-turvy environment is Ariel Sharon, the Prime Minister of Israel. But, even Sharon can drastically change long-standing positions to achieve a bigger goal.
For his entire life, Sharon has sought to establish Israeli domination over the surrounding territory, usually through armed force. As a general in 1967, he captured Jerusalem and, in 1982 as defense minister, he almost single-handedly invaded Lebanon in an effort to drive the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and Yasser Arafat out of the country.
These actions and others earned him the hatred of many, and almost ended his political career and aspirations to be prime minister. But, through persistence, luck and a controversial visit to East Jerusalem that played part in the renewal of the Intifada, he secured prime minister in 2001.
After his rise to power, Sharon stuck to his old ways, doing whatever it took to protect Israel. And recently, those means have included a wall to separate Israel from the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. The wall cuts off the settlements that have been built in the Occupied Territories over the last 37 years, the construction of which have been a cornerstone of the Likud party's policy since the first ones were built.
This presents a challenge in leadership for Sharon. His political base demands continued construction and support of the settlements, but to do so would conflict with the goal of using the wall to keep suicide bombers out of Israeli territory. To cut off the settlements would go against over 30 years of policy, and would be extremely unpopular with the conservative Likud party, which is Sharon's political base.
Sharon has chosen to do the unthinkable by choosing to alienate a large part of his base for the long-term future of Israel. He has pushed to fully withdraw all settlers and troops from the Gaza Strip, sparking controversy within his own party over the matter. Sharon has made the choice to push the matter in the Gaza Strip.
According to the Arab News, there was major fighting in the Gaza as recently as Oct. 16, with Israeli troops pulling out after two weeks of combat operations.
The Gaza Strip is a drain on Israeli military and political resources and also generates more problems from Palestinian retaliation for Israeli actions in the area. The Israelis would get several benefits from a withdrawal of settlements from Gaza. One benefit is Israel will no longer be responsible for the Strip and will be removing vulnerable targets from an unstable environment. Another benefit will be from a change in public opinion internationally, which in many countries has been harmed by the settlement policy.
The Israeli parliament, the Knesset, recently approved Sharon's plan of dismantling the settlements in Gaza, according to the BBC. But that victory has created even more problems for Sharon, since his government faces the resignation of four main ministers, including former Prime Minister and rival Benjamin Netanyahu. Over the next few months, there will be a series of votes in the Knesset over the details of the plan, according to the BBC but, with the new round of resignations, Sharon's government no longer commands a majority of seats there. Thus, to accomplish his plan, he faces several unpalatable options. He can call new elections, but then faces the risk that those who oppose his plan could come to a majority and undo what has been done so far. He could also try to create a "National Unity" coalition with the left-wing Labor party, but both Likud and Labor have rejected the idea. Thus, Sharon will remain vulnerable to a vote of no confidence until he can solidify his party situation.
In his old age, it appears that Sharon is trying to create a legacy for his country by providing a temporary solution to the conflict, which is quite an unusual occurrence, but now Sharon has burned most of his bridges.
Sharon has done many things over his career. Some have been scorned internationally, such as his Lebanon misadventure. But his desire to see Israel preserved seems to have trumped his desire to see a "Greater Israel." Whether he will eventually be successful in this end remains to be seen. Regardless, Sharon makes for an interesting study in statesmanship in this situation.
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