Forward into the Past

Ariel Sharon is back in the hospital after a "major stroke," according to his doctors.

After a lifetime of war against the Palestinians, he suddenly gives us reason to be optimistic. He withdraws from Gaza and makes it look easy, he unites Israel's voters like they haven't been united in years, he gets us all set to hope for peace again, he has a minor stroke and recovers nicely, and then he gets really sick. The louse.

Just when he was getting ready to win another term as prime minister and bring (so it seemed) a new, genuinely moderate party called Kadima (meaning "Forward") into Israeli politics - and with his old nemesis, Shimon Peres, with him - it now looks like he's going to have to withdraw. Even if he survives.

Remember what I said about looking forward to the years of my father's life after his minor stroke?

You're damn right I'm feeling bitter.

Benshlomo says, Dear Lord, sometimes I wonder what You want from us.