[Jerusalem Post] Herb Keinon - Prime Minister Olmert's intention to push forward indirect talks with Syria is motivated by a desire to keep the heat on Iran, Western diplomatic sources said Sunday. According to the sources, the Turkish-mediated talks between Syria and Israel have caused a degree of concern in Tehran, with the Iranian leaders not completely sure about which direction Damascus was headed. Israel has made clear that any peace agreement with Syria would necessitate a dramatic downgrading of Syria's close ties with Iran. "The indirect talks help isolate Iran," the sources said. According to Western diplomatic sources, the U.S. cross-border raid into Syria last week has only heightened Syria's interest in getting Washington to engage with them within the framework of negotiations. The Syrians believe there would be less likelihood of additional attacks if they were involved in negotiations.
2008-11-04 01:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive