The Israeli leader, Ariel Sharon, is undergoing a new emergency operation following deterioration of his condition. Mr. Sharon is in the Hadassah hospital in Jerusalem after he suffered a series of strokes on Wednesday night. This report from Jeremy Bowen:

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Doctors not involved with his treatment have told the BBC that surgery is not particularly effective for patients in Sharon's condition. Israelis have been stunned by what's happened in the last few days and that feeling will deepen if Ariel Sharon dies, but this country is very good at absorbing shocks and getting back to business.

Already there's a lot of talk about what happens next, about the challenges facing the acting Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert, and whether it will be possible for whoever leads the country after the elections in March to carry on with Sharon's policies.

Jeremy Bowen, BBC

Listen to the words

deterioration
worsening

condition
state of health

a brain scan
a visual examination of the brain conducted with the help of technology

cranium
the part of your head that is made of bone and covers your brain

not particularly effective
not likely to do much good

stunned
surprised and shocked

deepen
become stronger

absorbing shocks
dealing with difficulties

getting back to business
returning to normal

to carry on with
to continue

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