Ariel Sharon's health is deteriorating, say doctors

The condition of Ariel Sharon, the former Israeli prime minister who masterminded the 1982 invasion of Lebanon, has deteriorated, doctors said yesterday. The further worsening of his health, six months after he fell into a coma, comes as Israel is once again fighting in Lebanon. As defence minister, Mr Sharon sent the Israeli army as far as Beirut to root out Palestinian guerrillas.