Markets down on terrorism fears

We all know the bin Laden is intent on fomenting terrorist attacks that will, in addition to the loss of life, wreck the U.S. economy. Little did we know that Ariel Sharon had similar plans.

I am baffled by Sharon's logic in authorizing the assassination of Sheikh Ahmed Yassin.

"Paz believes that Yassin's death will not hamper the Hamas capability as he was not responsible for the movement's operational military activities but rather dictated policy and issued instructions.
According to Paz, Yassin's demise could mark the end of Ahmed Qurei's career as PA prime minister, and he will fall by the wayside the same as his predecessor Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen). 'While there has not been much of a dialogue between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, there has been some activity in the background. Now Qurei cannot allow himself to enter any dialogue, support for Hamas will increase greatly and at the same time the Palestinian Authority will lose its power. I also fear for Muhammad Dahlan's career. In Gaza he is perceived as trying to protect Israel rather then the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip,' Paz added."

Ironic, the Times' book review this morning. The "grizzly lottery" indeed.