Sharon pulls off a surprise

The Israeli prime minister?s decision to leave the Likud party was viewed with deep scepticism in the Arabic press this week. Meanwhile, claims that George Bush wanted to bomb Al Jazeera also featured prominently in the news. Manal Alafrangi reviews what was said

Palestinian newspaper Al Quds writes that the latest developments within Israel's government are a matter of internal affairs and thus no outsider can interfere in them.

The editorial continues, "... just as Palestinian politics are private and no one [including Israel] should be allowed to stick their nose into its internal matters". This includes Palestinian elections, candidates, methods of voting, circumstances that will be available for voters, and protecting both voters and candidates from any outside danger.

Al Quds concludes by asking: "Will the peace camp in Israel awake from its hibernation to shake up the Israeli public and point it in the right direction?"

An editorial by Al Bayan (UAE) argues that Sharon's decision to leave Likud is "a turning point ... it was a surprise even though it wasn't totally unpredicted". Sharon is a man whose name has been glued to this stern party, according to Al Bayan; he is determined "to expand Israel's territory and fight the Palestinians".

And today, "he leaves Likud behind and decides to move forward with a new party". The editorial states, "Of course, Sharon has not taken this step out of decency. Nor did he suddenly have an epiphany; he is a leopard who can't change his spots."

Al Bayan says there is a different side to Sharon's declaration: "It reflects on two major issues: Israel's expansion plans as well as the question of this country's acceptance level in the region." The Palestinians ought to realise this and work on using all the necessary resources to "deepen Israel's problems".

Al Ahram (Egypt) writes there have been several contradictions taking place within the Likud Party. Sharon faced many challenges starting with the opposition against his unilateral Gaza pullout. Then there was the stiff competition he encountered against former Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the race to lead Likud. And finally, he faced sharp criticism from several Likud members for his choice of certain ministers in the Israeli government.

The Egyptian newspaper reiterates that Sharon's recent announcement is purely "an internal Israeli matter" and it is important not to turn the Palestinian case into a bargaining tool or an excuse to freeze the peace process.

Eissa Al Shaabi of Addustour (Jordan) opines that what is most interesting in this situation is the amount of influence one person can have on an entire government. "This in a country where organisations and parties make decisions and not individuals."

Al Shaabi argues that the developments on the labour party front are more significant. Led by the newly elected Amir Peretz, an Arab Jew, the labour party's new agenda includes a complete Israeli pullout from the June 4 borders, dismantlement of colonies and the possible exchange of land with the Palestinians.

These are all standards which are compatible with Bill Clinton's 2000 peace accords (as well as the Geneva Conventions), according to Al Shaabi. They are different from what Sharon put on the table five years ago and ought to reopen the door for peaceful negotiations.

Al Jazeera

Bassam Dhao of Al Watan (Qatar) says when one reads the news about the secret conversation between America's and Britain's leaders "one thinks he/she is reading a preview of a Hollywood action film". However, one quickly realises that this is reality, especially since in the past "American forces have attacked media centres and targeted journalists".

Dhao says the fact that Blair is said to have persuaded Bush not to attack Al Jazeera does not excuse either leader from the moral responsibility of the situation, to say the least. This revelation will reflect negatively on the United States and Britain.

Qatari newspaper Al Sharq contends the transcript of the secret conversation between Bush and Blair "reveals a new scene in the American 'democratic' soap opera". Moreover, the conversation strongly indicates the dangerous new territory American foreign policy is entering which seems to be "going against former President Wilson's fourteen points".

The editorial argues that the exposure of this secret conversation does not pose a threat to Al Jazeera. Instead, "it is a testament to the strength and level of influence this TV station possesses".

"We are embarking on a new kind of war war against freedom of expression. This war does not exclude even the American media ? Perhaps this war might be the last phase of America's war on terror will the Stalinist era repeat itself?"