Olmert's wishful thinking
Filed under: Middle East
Ehud Olmert insists on negotiating with Syria. Some from his cabinet and the military ranks have serious doubts about it. The US said that this is not the right time, and yet Olmert cannot be convinced. What is wrong with the man?! Didn't he learn by now that a concession to Muslims is a proof of weakness?
QUESTION: Do you support any Israeli decision to resume peace talks with Syria at this time?
MR. MCCORMACK: Same answer as this morning. I know that that ultimately is -- how Israel conducts its foreign policy is one for the Israeli Government to make on behalf of the Israeli people. At this point, I can't see that Syria has put itself out there as a proponent of positive change throughout the region in supporting greater freedom and democracy, but again, how Israel conducts its foreign policy is going to be a decision for them to make.
QUESTION: Do you encourage Israel to resume these talks?
MR. MCCORMACK: Michel, that's a -- you know, I'm not going to try to make foreign policy for Israel.
President Assad does not want peace with Israel. He wants to distract attention from the International Tribunal -- UN Resolution 1757, under chapter VII.
Those who believe that by giving back the Golan, Syria will no longer support terrorist groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, Fatah al Islam and dozens others cannot be more wrong. Syria's privileged relationship with Tehran goes back to Hafez al Assad. There is no way that Damascus will exit the Iranian orbit sometime soon. All these are its trumps. Bashar will do everything necessary to ensure that its proxies fight his war (and Tehran's) in Lebanon, Iraq, Gaza and West bank.
Barry Rubin says it all in an interview with Michael Totten. Bashar Assad appears to be a peace-loving guy only because he is under pressure at home and internationally.
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