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Source: http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1170359887630&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
Money for Nothing
[Jerusalem Post] Emanuele Ottolenghi and Daniel Rackowski - There is a view in Europe, voiced principally in the EU Parliament, that Damascus is today part of the solution in the Middle East, and that a fresh approach with Syria, one of engagement with the regime, is needed. Since 1995, the EU has granted 259 million euros to Syria in aid under the MEDA program, and the European Investment Bank has given Syria 589 million euros. Since 2000, the EIB has signed loans for 925 million euros. By providing 40% of Syria's trade, the EU has become that country's largest trading partner. The Syrian regime needs all the aid it can get. This would be a good moment to demand good behavior in return for a generous carrot. Giving Syria carrots before tangible signs of change is not going to create incentives for the regime. If anything, it is a reward for bad behavior.