Ariel Sharon fights for life after stroke

JERUSALEM – Prime Minister Ariel Sharon underwent hours of surgery after suffering a life-threatening stroke, but doctors resumed operating early today after a brain scan revealed he required more treatment. Powers were transferred to his deputy, Ehud Olmert.

Doctors placed Sharon on a respirator and were trying to save his life only hours before the hard-charging, overweight, 77-year-old Israeli leader had been scheduled to undergo a procedure to seal a hole in his heart that contributed to a mild stroke on Dec. 18.

Sharon’s cerebral hemorrhage came at a time of upheaval among Palestinian factions in Gaza and in the midst of both Israeli and Palestinian election campaigns. His absence would halt peacemaking momentum and leave a vacuum at the head of his new Kadima party.

See story, “Sharon’s stroke rattles Middle East”