Warrior: An Autobiography

I read this book when it first came out three or four years ago. It is a terrific read that brings together the history of modern Israel, the various wars starting with the war of independence in 1948 against the Arabs, including Iraq, and later his political career. The book has a some good photographs and many wonderful war stories. One realizes how close Sharon came to ending his life on the battlefield. I was struck by four things in the book. The first was Sharon's closeness to the land of Israel. He was born and grew up there, and joined the paratroopers when he was quite young. He was a true blue Israeli through and through. As a soldier he was admired by all including the PM, David Ben Gurion - who acted as defense minister. They had a direct relationship bypassing the generals, to the chagrin of many. The second was the tragic story of his own life and how one child died of a gun accident, and then how his wife died, essentially leaving him alone in the world. The other was his battle - that he won in a New York court - to clear his name of the deaths in the camps in Lebanon. Finally, we see a man that love the concept of peace with the Arabs. He was a tough man in many ways, but had realized that as a former soldier he had the credibility to make difficult decisions to force concessions to make a peace. This is a great biography, and Sharon will be missed. We hold our breath and hope for his recovery.

Ariel Sharon is so demonized by so many in the Arab world and Liberal Jews and Israelis that I sought this book to hear his side of his incredible career and life. Having spent most of his life fighting for Israel's survival and combatting terrorism in every war and conflict, he illuminates the problems Israel faces and the nature of its Arab opposition.Like a true warrior he is a man of peace. Those who have been in the carnage of battle want to avoid it the most, but he has enough insight to understand that compromises and shortcuts to accomodate other's deadlines and agendas only means sending your grandchildren off to war.His stories of being in the frontline of Israel's historic battles are gripping military history; and his rise from a neophyte poltician to Israel's Prime Minister provides a rich introduction to Israeli politics. His efforts to develop trade and agricultural ties throughout the world is less known than his military and political career, but very important among his contributions.But most of all I wanted to hear his account of the Lebanese war and specifically the massacres in Sabra and Shatilla. I have always been bewildered at how the murder of Moslems by Christians would lead to the villanization of a Jew. He explained his view how he was sacrificed by the international pressures and Israel's own political parties.The fact that he was able to rise from this poltical abyss to become prime minister is a remarkable achievement. There is far more depth to this man than his opponents would want us to believe.This book was an excellent read a must for those trying to understand the complexities of modern Israel, and a fascinating biography of the leading player on the middle eastern stage.

This was an amazing book....for anyone that would like to learn more about Ariel Sharon and the history of Israel!! Excellent details on the wars he fought and the Politics in Israel! What a truly amazing man!!

Is a must for everyone who is interested in the Middle East current crisis.I was really taken by surprise to learn about this man,his sensitivity,his candid comments about his inner feelings. His detailed descriptions about the various battles fought can be at the same time exciting but also to burdensome to my taste. Nevertheless I think its a great book full of discoveries.I loved it

This book tells the story of a true Israeli hero. You will read about his life, his love and his battles...Where would Israel be today without Ariel Sharon...Although out of print, I managed to find a copy and I am happy I did!