With little fanfare, Israel on Tuesday marked five years since former prime minister and tough army general Ariel Sharon fell into a coma, ending a controversial political and military career. The long-time leader of the right-wing nationalist camp in Israeli politics suffered a massive stroke on January 4, 2006, slipping into a coma from which he has never recovered. His family have kept him alive on life support, although the former strongman has shown no sign of improvement or indication that he is likely to recover.  No official events marked the anniversary, while Sharon remains hospitalised in the Haim Sheba medical centre at the Tel Hachomer hospital in Tel Aviv.  More.........