Ariel Sharon

In January 2006, Israel's Prime Minister Ariel Sharon suffered a massive stroke and lapsed into a deep coma; by April, Israeli officials had declared that Sharon was "permanently incapacitated," bringing a quiet end to a turbulent chapter in Israel's history. This 2002 A&E Biography episode profiles a paradoxical man, despised by Palestinians and even criticized by Israelis, yet also full of humor and civility, and capable of privately expressing understanding and voicing sympathy for Palestinian grievances. Sharon's parents emigrated from Russia to Palestine in the 1920s, where the young Ariel was hardened early by Arab attacks on Jewish settlements. Sharon gravitated to the military, where he acquired the nickname "Bulldozer" for his fearless, forceful leadership style and unyielding insistence on Jewish survival and security. In spite of Sharon's obvious military talents, he also attended the university and was most happy living the rural life on his farm, but the young nation kept calling him back to the battlefield. Sharon would also become acquainted early with tragedy and loss, as his first wife and son both died violent deaths (a car accident and gun mishap). Looking at both Sharon's public and private life (his noted devotion to family possibly stemmed from a reaction to his emotionally distant parents), this program mixes archival footage with commentary (including incisive remarks from Middle East expert David Shipler), but even though it provides a couple of quick updates at the end, there's no mention here of Yasir Arafat's death or Sharon's stroke. An adequate biography until a more comprehensive portrait comes along, this is a strong optional purchase. Aud: H, C, P. (S. Rees)