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Obama and the Syrian Trap

(Ynet News) Matthew R.J. Brodsky - With the Palestinian-Israeli peace process returning to a deep freeze, the Obama administration is eyeing an opportunity to make headway with Syria. To that end, President Obama confirmed the new U.S. ambassador to Syria and reports have surfaced of a recent back channel opened between the White House and Syrian officials in Damascus. Yet the reality is that Syria will simply pocket concessions, while preserving the very status quo that Washington seeks to alter. The Special Tribunal for Lebanon tasked with investigating the string of assassinations in 2005, including that of former Lebanese Premier Rafik Hariri, is set to hand down indictments in a matter of weeks. Hizbullah will likely be held responsible, with the support and orders coming from Syrian President Assad's inner circle. By engaging with Syria now, the U.S. not only ensures that Damascus will not be held to account, but it rewards their rogue behavior and emboldens America's enemies. The writer is Director of Policy at the Jewish Policy Center in Washington.
2011-01-06 10:46:39
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