Ariel Sharon is NOT Dead

Updated at 11:45 a.m., MST. Ariel Sharon is not dead, he remains hospitalized in a medically induced coma; the source for the post I wrote is the lead item at memeorandum, which quotes an article from World Tribune.com. memeorandum is not updated as of this writing. The lead sentence in the Tribune article:

JERUSALEM — Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, 77, the most powerful Israeli leader in 50 years, has died, Middle East Newsline reported.

I apologize for my incorrect item. My original post continues below, unedited.

This morning, US time, of complications from the massive stroke he suffered two days ago. Charles Krauthammer believes Sharon's death is a calamity of unimaginable proportions for Israel. Austin Bay is of the same opinion and provides links to significant analyses and opinions.

There will probably be rejoicing in Ramallah and other parts of Palestine. That rejoicing will be terribly misplaced, for Sharon provided Isreal with true leadership, leadership capable of moving towards a just resolution of the Israel - Palestine conflict.

Let us pray that things don't go back to "business as usual," that is, the never-ending cycle of violence that has come to pass as the status quo in that part of the world.

RIP, Ariel Sharon.