A new work of fiction about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict sounds at times a lot like fact.

Haaretz: The President of the United States, haunted by troubles home and abroad, finally decides to forge a breakthrough on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict – at any price. He separately summons Israeli and Palestinian leaders, and presents them with an ultimatum: for Israel, lack of agreement means no more aid and no more vetoes at the UN Security Council.

In “The President’s Ultimatum,” the first novel penned by the former Citicorp executive John Cavaiuolo – who writes under the pen name John Cavi – reality is mixed with fiction, but many characters are easily recognizable. The 43rd U.S. President is Gerald W. Burke, there is an Israeli prime minister called “Ehud Colmert,” a right-wing leader called Bibi Nathane, and Palestinian leaders Habbas and Qurei. Ariel Sharon goes by his own name, and his reaction to the ultimatum is not at all positive. He tries to buy time, says he’ll be ready when terror is defeated, complains about political strains and “Israeli people that wouldn’t accept it.” The President brushes aside all excuses and presses harder. Recalling their conversation, Burke thinks to himself: “Threatening Sharon with an embargo and a cessation of $8 billion dollars in aid was probably too harsh and perhaps counterproductive”, adding later that, “the arrogant son of a bitch deserved to be humiliated.” Read More