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Prospects for "Flipping" the Syrian Regime

[Commentary] Noah Pollak - When anything of international importance happens in or around Syria, there predictably follows a salivating at the prospect of "flipping" the Assad regime - of a peace deal with Israel, a renaissance in relations with the U.S., and a Syria that abandons, finally, its role as the Grand Central Station of terrorism in the Levant. But if you're Bashar Assad, why would you give up your alliance to the ascendant power in the Middle East and the connections to the terror groups that ensure your ability to dominate your neighbors? Assad is in the enviable position of being the only Arab ally of Iran, which he believes will soon be the greatest regional power, and a nuclear one. Assad was recently forced out of Lebanon, but his ally Hizbullah is still there, growing in power, ensuring his political influence today and his return in the future. Assad provides aid and safe haven to Hamas, which gives him a strong hand not only in thwarting America and Israel in the peace process, but in manipulating Palestinian violence. His minority Alawite rule is bolstered by the state of emergency that has been in effect since 1967. And once Iran goes nuclear, Arab resentment will magically turn into obsequiousness.
2008-04-29 01:00:00
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