Sharon funeral highlights conflicting views of former leader

By Matt Spetalnick SYCAMORE FARM, Israel (Reuters) – Israel buried former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon at his family farm on Monday, celebrating the military achievements of a man seen as a war hero at home but as a war criminal by many in the Arab world. U.S. Vice President Joe Biden and former British prime minister Tony Blair laid wreaths at his grave, 10 Km (6 miles) from the border of the Gaza strip, with the army on high alert lest any rockets be fired out of the Palestinian territory. The army said two missiles were shot into southern Israel shortly after the funeral ended, causing no damage or injury. "We are accompanying to his final resting place today a soldier, an exceptional soldier, a commander who knew how to win," Israeli President Shimon Peres said in Jerusalem, Sharon's hefty coffin draped in Israel's blue and white flag.