Isn't it far more likely that Arafat will be the one who doesn't respond?
I cannot imagine that Bush did what he did today without talking to Sharon first.
I believe you are right. But you will notice that Bush took his time. Sharon just needs a few more days to locate the remaining Suicide bomb factories, and that could just be the slippage while the striped pants set talk it out.
Remember, Bush considers Arafat to be a liar, and he has NO respect for him. If the suicide bombers continue, Bush can wash his hands, at least temporarily, and go on a war footing---the Fed is required to keep interest rates low during wartime.
He didn't. I'm sure it was a coordinated effort. If not, Powell would be on a plane today not next week.