Media Coverage of the Death of Ariel Sharon

With the passing of Ariel Sharon, it is interesting to compare the responses from the Arab and Israeli, or pro-Israeli, community.  Looking at articles from many Western and news sources, primarily BBC, FOX News and CNN, Sharon was a dignified Prime Minister of Israel.  Fox News’ article was tiled, “Ariel Sharon eulogized as Israel's 'military legend,' 'warrior.”  The New York Times and BBC reported on the leaders from across the western world who spoke at the burial. Tony Blair referred to Mr. Sharon as “bold, unorthodox, unyielding” and “warm-hearted, humorous, charming and passionate.”  Joe Biden stated,  “The security of his people was his unwavering mission.”  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-25708082.  With the United States heavy reliance on maintaining positive relations with Israel, it is no surprise the coverage was very pro-Sharon.  Arab News covered the death from a far different perspective.  The article discussed the celebrations that occurred in Khan Yunis in Gaza Strip, Palestinian’s dismay that he was never prosecuted in the 1982 massacre of Palestinians in Beirut refugee camps, and the belief by many Arabs that Sharon was responsible for the death of Yasser Arafat http://www.arabnews.com/news/507576.  This is interesting when thinking about the article that we read regarding Palestinian and Israeli Women and the complexity of the situation in the region.  I think the coverage accurately represents "the ways that contradictory histories, governmental and military representative, and educational institutions positioned them (Israelis and Palestinians) as Others as well as opened spaces for resistance" (Collier 345).