Monday 02 June 2003 Road to peace?  | For decades Ariel Sharon has insisted that the occupation of large parts of the West Bank and Gaza is essential for Israel's security. Now, he's formally agreed to the road map - a peace plan that would establish a Palestinian state in that territory. Is this a real change in position or is it a tactical manoeuvre? This report from Barbara Plett. |
 Listen to the story Ariel Sharon presented his acceptance of the road map in terms of pragmatic self-interest rather than as a step towards peace. He told his cabinet that approving the US-backed plan would safeguard Israel's strategic relationship with Washington and it would help the country's struggling economy because, he said, diplomatic progress would lead to economic benefits. This largely negative endorsement faced strong opposition from the far right. But Mr Sharon is really swimming with the tide as polls show that a solid Israeli majority supports the road map.
There is debate in Israel though about what the old warrior is really up to. Some analysts believe his new moves are only tactical, concealing old policies of expanding Jewish settlements in the occupied territories. Others believe he does want to achieve a settlement of the conflict in this his final term as prime minister. Ariel Sharon's view of the road map is ambiguous enough to allow for both readings.
Barbara Plett, BBC Listen to the words in terms of the way something is described pragmatic practical endorsement support swimming with the tide agreeing with what most people think polls surveys of public opinion concealing hiding expanding increasing the size of ambiguous unclear  Read more about this story | |  | | | SEARCH IN LEARNING ENGLISH | | | |
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