The Sharon crisis and the peace process

Re “A shadow across the Mideast,” editorial, Jan. 5

The passing of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon from the political scene would be significant, but, as always, the prospects for peace between Israelis and Palestinians rest with the Palestinian leadership’s ability to change the hearts and minds of those who remain dedicated to the destruction of Israel. Those who believe the removal of Israeli settlements to be the key to peace are deluding themselves.

Since Israel withdrew its settlements from Gaza, the daily attempts by terrorists to infiltrate Israel continue unabated. Peace will come to the Mideast when the Arab world accepts Israel’s right to exist and backs up its words with actions.

BRUCE FRIEDMAN

Beverly Hills

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The media are lamenting Sharon’s massive stroke as a blow to the Palestinian-Israeli peace process.

Sharon’s much-ballyhooed pullout of illegal Israeli settlers in Gaza has done nothing for the Palestinians. It was a manipulation to contain the Palestinians in an open-air prison -- Israel refuses to allow them to exit Gaza while it continues to shoot missiles into Gaza at targeted “terrorists,” costing huge numbers of civilian deaths and casualties.

PAT MCDONNELL

Los Angeles

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Re “Robertson Suggests God Is Punishing Sharon,” Jan. 6

Does Pat Robertson know the meaning of “blasphemy”? Judging by his remarks about Sharon, I suspect that he does not. Robertson had better spend his remaining time on Earth looking after his own soul.

LINDA MELE JOHNSON

Long Beach