Why is Ariel Sharon being kept alive?

[cynatnite]

Medical experts reported that Sharon's cognitive abilities were destroyed by the massive stroke, and that he is in a persistent vegetative state (PVS) with extremely slim chances of regaining consciousness. Although the Israeli press (Yediot) reported that Sharon had opened his eyes several times, doctors were quick to note that that was not unusual with comatose patients.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ariel_Sharon#Incapacitation

[helderheid]

1. is he on life support?

[RB TexLa]

2. It would be due to his wishes if he directed such, or if not his family's wishes

[Warpy]

3. It's really easy to connect those machines

and very difficult to give up hope and shut them off.

My guess is that there are a lot of people who think random movements are an attempt at communication. If seen it a lot over the years.

He may be kept that way for many more months, succumbing to overwhelming infection or heart attack eventually.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

4. I'd forgotten about him!

[d_b]

5. His Doctor is Bill Frist?

[TankLV]

6. ...to try to save himself from all the snarky jokes that will be made when he finally goes?...

just my first crack at it...