Daily Alert Archives

Is Peace with Syria Worthwhile?

[Ynet News] Maj.-Gen. (ret.) Giora Eiland - Is an Israeli-Syrian peace agreement, assuming it is possible, good for Israel? If such an agreement would be similar to the one almost achieved in 2000, it would be predicated on the return of the Golan Heights to Syria in exchange for: Peace reminiscent of the peace agreement with Egypt; security arrangements; a Syrian assurance that that it would not support terror against Israel; and an assurance that the streams of the Golan will continue to flow (cleanly) into the Sea of Galilee. Israel should have reservations towards such an agreement since it does not solve a single one of Israel's other security problems. It doesn't impact on the Iranian threat or the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and it does not ensure the disarmament of Hizbullah in Lebanon. A peace agreement with Syria would not impact the relationship between Israel and the Arab world and would not contribute to our international legitimacy, just as the peace agreement with Jordan did not. A peace agreement with Syria would expedite the end of the artificial Alawite minority regime in favor of the Sunnis (which comprise 80% of Syria's population). When the Sunnis take over, with the influence of the Muslim Brotherhood, it is unclear whether they would adhere to the agreement signed by Basher Assad. The most important reservation is security-related. Through in-depth familiarity with the security arrangements discussed in 2000, I believe that it cannot provide Israel with a minimal level of required security. The writer is former head of Israel's National Security Council.
2007-07-25 01:00:00
Full Article