Warrior: An Autobiography [NOOK Book]

... and the drama has not ended....,

There are many references to Pierre and Bashir Gemayel (leaders of the predominantly Christian-Phalanges Party).
Most of Lebanon, and the Christian Leaders had been particularly confounded by the rash and dash with which the Israelis' conducted their war against the Palestinian Militias, and Beirut was awash with gossips that the Lebanese Forces - LF - (mainly Christians) would perform, alone, a sweeping military - mop up - operation in support of the Israelis.
Such was a request Sharon had asked of Bashir during his first and short `look-see' visits to Jounieh - Lebanon (East) but did not evoke clear-cut answer (nor commitment) from Bashir because LF had not been able to give viable practical assistance, least of all to do any `street fighting' in a densely populated Beirut (West).
If LF entered the important green line (Sea port area) rushing into Hamra Street, civilian losses would have been immense.
Sharon wanted to infuse his sense of urgency into LF leaders in order to gain time and face the Israeli Cabinet with a fait a compli situation of which the Cabinet had never approved before.
Sharon left Jounieh under the impression he and Bashir had concluded an agreement -in principle- of `a military operation' to be performed when the proper time called for it and now the next phase was for `joint planning'. Bashir was led to believe that Sharon was highly depending on LF supportive participation.
Sharon thought Bashir had fully understood him to support a `do it alone' military operation, i.e. that LF would attack independently from the East when the Israelis had tightened the noose on Beirut (West).
Mismatch in person-to-person communication took on new impetus.
In the first place, it had never occurred to Bashir to attack West Beirut because he was heading for the Presidency and his `election' was imminent and inevitable.
Bashir's priorities were 1) Never to put himself in disfavour with the Muslim communities and 2) Should not destroy political bridges with Syria (Hafiz al Asad) that would come after he's elected to the Presidency.

Sharon, a military man to the bones, could see nothing relating to `Lebanese Politics' in the middle of his `war against the PLO - Arafat'; he had found that the Lebanese appreciation of his sweeping moves - having also neutralized the Syrian Army in Lebanon - were meant to ask him to revert to the idea of `independent action in West Beirut. Sharon should begin, and the LF would follow'.

As there are no secrets in Lebanon, pulling the blankets of `no commitments' over their bodies resolutely did not refrain Philip Habib - not yet tired of repeating to Bashir - `at no time give a pretext that would obstruct your election to the Presidency'.

And the `drama' has not ended..............

Fascinating

Even if Ariel Sharon were not the current prime minister of Israel, this would still be a very important and memorable book. Reading this book really gives one insight into the true nature of this strong and brave man, who defended his country so valiantly. In a broader sense, it supplies crucial and interesting information about all of Isreal's wars, down to the last detail. It also says alot about Israel's relations with its neighbors and the rest of the world. Very well-written, an absolutely great read.

One life

Warrior gives the reader an amazing potrayal of the life of the Middle East's most controversial figure. From his upbringing in Kfar Malal to his exploits on the battlefield, Sharon gives a brutally personal insight on his personal and professional life. It is almost impossible to put this book down.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.