[Esther Ruth]

"It isn't that anyone really believed his protestations, although the local media, which to all intents and purposes act as an adjunct to Sharon's official spin team, were quick to give credence to these fundamentally unconvincing claims. More than anything, the lack of public outrage at Sharon's latest policy flip-flop, like the yawn that greeted the exposure of his flagrantly illegal election fund-raising during his recent visit to New York, stems from a widespread sense that the political system in Israel is incurably corrupt. It isn't that Israelis are apathetic about the fact that the prime minister doesn't even pretend not to lie or cheat. It is just that AT THIS POINT most PEOPLE FEEL POWERLESS to do anything about it."

"At any rate, the cynicism with which Sharon and his allies have infected Israel's political culture must end as soon as possible, and it is WITHIN THE POWER of his political OPPONENTS to take the steps necessary to bring this about."

[SJackson]

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