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Source: http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1222017544314&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
Syria and Lebanon: An Iron Fist in a Velvet Glove
[Jerusalem Post] Jonathan Spyer - The decree by President Bashar Assad announcing the establishing of full diplomatic relations between Damascus and Beirut represents the latest stage in the emergence of Syria from diplomatic isolation. Syrian relations with Lebanon have been in the process of warming since Assad's meeting with Lebanese President Michel Suleiman in Paris in July. A campaign of violent subversion waged by Syria and its allies in Lebanon over the last three years is paying dividends. Syrian influence in Lebanon has been rebuilt, while Damascus simultaneously emerges from international isolation. The Syrians know that the iron fist works best when concealed in a velvet glove. The writer is a senior research fellow at the Global Research in International Affairs Center, IDC, Herzliya.