Ex-Israeli PM still comatose 4 years after stroke

Four years after a devastating stroke, former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon remains in a coma.

Dov Weisglass, a close friend of the former leader, says the 81-year-old Sharon's vital signs are good. But he says it is not clear whether he will ever regain consciousness.

In 2005, Sharon shocked his supporters by withdrawing all Israeli settlers and soldiers from the Gaza Strip, ending 38 years of military rule of the territory.

Riding a wave of popularity, Sharon appeared to be well on his way to re-election when he suffered a stroke several months later, on Jan. 4, 2006. He has been comatose ever since.