You are right about Sharon. But how serious are the palestinians about peace? Hamas etc want to eradicate the state of Israel. I am pretty sure that if there was a democratic election in the occupied territories that Arafat + Hamas would get a large majority. Abu Mazen was imposed by outsiders and doesn't represent the will of the palestinians people. Hamas and friends are tolerated, supported and encouraged by the palestinian population. As long as they continue their campaign the Israelis will elect people like Sharon. It takes both sides to make a peace and neither side has shown any real desire for it.