From the Publisher

omething unfortunate happened on the way to the printer. Ariel Sharon, Prime Minister of Israel, suffered a major stroke. It is assumed that, as of today, Israel—and the world—has changed dramatically.

Sharon, like him or not, was a major player on the world scene. A man of strong convictions, he was a tough-minded soldier that ultimately emerged as a great figure in the pursuit of an enduring and lasting peace. This was a surprise to his enemies, who could never have imagined that this warrior’s warrior could also be a politician’s politician and even a negotiator’s negotiator.

When Sharon came to power (again) five years ago, the world community connected him with the outbreak of the second intifada. By the end, these same people saw him as essential to any negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians. This was truly a remarkable accomplishment.

Shakespeare wrote in Julius Caesar: “The evil that men do lives after them; the good is oft interred with their bones. So let it be with Caesar.”

So let it NOT be with Sharon. In the weeks and months ahead, his enemies will breathe easier and recall ancient and trumped-up charges. But they will fail. What will remain instead is the understanding that he was a man of peace.

Another issue also looms on the horizon—that of Iran’s reckless march toward nuclear weapons. The repressive theocratic regime in Tehran may have turned a deaf ear to world outcry. But why should Iran be concerned when the divided West has proven itself to be all bark and no bite? And if we are afraid now, what will happen after Tehran gets the bomb? Unfortunately, these are questions we may need to confront soon enough.

Hopefully, by the time this issue goes to press, new options will be pursued.