This move seems solely designed to placate the Republicans' right-wing base.

On some issues, like immigration, the president has alienated parts of his right-wing base.

"This action today sends a message that when push comes to shove, the administration's right-wing base comes first."

Mr. Abe has been under pressure from his right-wing base to revise or reject the 1993 statement.

"The Republican Party has decided to abandon its business base and cater to its right-wing reactive base."

The Republicans created their defeat by focusing obsessively on the right-wing "base," ostracizing not only the Democrats but their own party's more moderate legislators.

They are now sending a signal that they are abandoning the political center and focusing entirely on appeasing their right-wing base.

So, by constantly getting tougher on the Palestinians, Mr. Sharon could please his right-wing base and push the political center to the right at the same time.

On the other hand, he was very mindful of his right-wing base.

He is therefore adopting a core vote strategy and appealing to his right-wing base in order to minimise his losses.