I was a fan of Sharon for his deeds during the Yom Kippur war, but it's been downhill from there, especially in the last few years since I've been reading Ha'aretz which makes plain what a disastrous choice Sharon has been for Israel's future.
Past his Shelf Life -- Ha'aretz article for today's example.
Who needs to care if there is a Palestinian negotiating partner -- put up a wall along the '67 lines and let them sort themselves out.
In fact, I look forward to Arafat's passing as his chief role has become providing a handy excuse for Sharon and Bush to allow the situation to fester. As Voltaire said: If there was not a God, man would have to invent Him!