Joshua, there is also a most interesting Washington Post editorial that you missed!

Here are the highlights:

“Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad …. his alliance with Iran and sponsorship of terrorism … change in Mr. Assad’s behavior or in his unacceptable ambitions… Having carried out a campaign of political murder in Lebanon, including the killing of a prime minister for which he has yet to be held accountable, Mr. Assad continues to insist on a veto over the Lebanese government … He continues to facilitate massive illegal shipments of Iranian arms to Hezbollah … and to host the most hard-line elements of the Hamas leadership … He continues to harbor exiled leaders of Saddam Hussein’s regime and to allow suicide bombers to flow into Iraq for use by al-Qaeda.”

Akbar, if the above teaser made you hungry for more, here is the link:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/18/AR2010021804660.html?nav=rss_opinions

Denial isn’t just a river in Egypt

Alex Habibi,

When the thread report states “posted by Joshua at 5:43 am”, I assume Professor Josh wrote the article.

What can I say? As usual I disagree with Professor Josh’s opinion, outlook, and conclusions. Nothing new. I’ll try to respond to a few comments I take issue with:

There goes Andrew Tabler again. This time he claims that the present US engagement with Syria is part of a new grand US strategy to hurt Iran. It is going to roll it back. What? Can someone explain this to me?

Alex,

Please tell Professor Josh that the US and Iran are butting heads not because of Israel. Iran is considered by ALL American political parties (except the hard right, believe it or not) as a long term regional threat. The US is doing everything in her power to box Iran in. If Syria is not going to help in that effort, it will put Syria at a “disadvantage”. If and when the “Iran thing” turns to military action, Syria could find itself missing out big time. You don’t believe me? Fine.

It is hard to understand how normalizing relations with Syria — returning an ambassador, jump starting intelligence sharing, and slowly rekindling economic relations — is going to separate it from Iran, as Tabler argues.

Syria, will not be allowed to have its cake and eat it Professor Josh. Sorry to say. The economic and social disaster te Assad brought to Syria make it, unfortunately, the next “low hanging fruit” in the fight against Islamic Fundamentalism. Syria is not in a position to make many “demands”.

Will America withdraw its ambassador if Syria continues to purchase arms and develop economic relations with Iran?

Yes.

Will the US re-impose travel restrictions on Syria if Syria continues to support Iranian positions?

Yes

So why claim that the US will pry Syria away from Iran with engagement?

The US will try, but, ultimately, the GOS will have to make this decision.

Tabler also doesn’t believe that Israel is going to give back the Golan, which would be the only way to induce Syria to reevaluate its regional alliances.

Again, it depends on the details, which the Syrians have never made public. Iran would have to be part of that deal.

Syria needs a powerful Iran and Hizbullah to counterbalance an expansionist Israel.

This is the “old way” of thinking. You want the Golan and better relations with the West? If so, Syria will have to part with this crutch.

Syria’s alliances make sense given the threat perception it has of Israel and America.

Maybe Assad is the biggest threat to Syria?

…(Cutting Syria-Iran relations is all about Israel)…

Professor Josh,

Again, you are making a HUGE mistake making this assumption. Iran is considered a threat by Europe, the Gulf State, the US and everyone else in between. Iran is viewed, correctly, as an “out-of-control” fundamentalist theocracy that is trying to impose its will around the world. Trying to pin Iran on the Zionists won’t fly this time. Certainly not with the US. Now Syria can either “get with the program”, or find itself on the opposite side of history. Your choice.

http://townhall.com/cartoons/cartoonist/MichaelRamirez/2010/02/4

http://townhall.com/cartoons/cartoonist/MichaelRamirez/2010/02/7

Conclusion:

The Obama Administration will last 1 term. We have democracy in the United States. 4 years is not a long time, and Syria and Iran will have to deal with a more conservative government. If you think Obama is too hard on Syria now, just wait for the next US president…

After using a rather childish quote, ” Denial isn’t just a river in Egypt “.

AKBAR PALACE comes to the same conclusion/premonition, prognostication, affirmation made by Bebe several months ago that :

” The Obama Administration will last 1 term. We have democracy in the United States. 4 years is not a long time, and Syria and Iran will have to deal with a more conservative government. If you think Obama is too hard on Syria now, just wait for the next US president…”

A rather naive conclusion given the fact that any administration post the Obama one ( including the probability that the Obama one will last longer than 1 term )
since AP opines that “We have democracy in the United States”, can change its policies towards anyone as the Obama Administration already is doing.

Wishfull thinking!.

واشنطن تقرر رفع اسم سورية عن لائحة الدول التي تحذر رعاياها من السفر إليها
الاخبار السياسية

قررت الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية يوم الجمعة رفع اسم سورية عن لائحة الدول التي تحذر رعاياها من السفر إليها.
وأعلن الناطق باسم وزارة الخارجية الأمريكية أن “وزارة الخارجية الأمريكية قررت رفع اسم سورية عن لائحة الدول التي تحذر رعاياها من السفر إليها أو تقترح عليهم أخذ الحيطة عند زيارتها”.
وتضم اللائحة التي وضعتها واشنطن حاليا 29 دولة بينها إسرائيل والأراضي الفلسطينية والسعودية وباكستان والسودان وموريتانيا والصومال ولبنان والجزائر واليمن وأفغانستان والعراق وإيران..
ويأتي القرار الأمريكي بعد الإعلان عن تعيين روبرت ستيفن فورد سفيراً جديداً للولايات المتحدة في دمشق، وبعد زيارة مساعد وزيرة الخارجية الأمريكية للشؤون السياسية وليام بيرنز لسورية حيث اعتبرت أرفع زيارة يقوم بها مسؤول في وزارة الخارجية الأميركية لدمشق منذ انتخاب الرئيس باراك أوباما.
ويدأت العلاقات السورية الأمريكية تشهد تطوراً منذ تسلم أوباما مهامه في البيت الأبيض بداية عام 2009, فقد قام عدد من الوفود من مجلسي الكونغرس والنواب بزيارة دمشق إضافة إلى مسؤولين من وزارة الخارجية الأمريكية, كما زار نائب وزير الخارجية فيصل المقداد واشنطن مطلع تشرين الأول الماضي, حيث تم خلال تلك الزيارات تبادل وجهات النظر حول عدد من الملفات الإقليمية.

http://www.syria-news.com/readnews.php?sy_seq=109965

this whole “Syria is not going to deliver a blow to Iran”, is a false argument.
It should read: Asad not going to deliver bla bla, and not Syria…

Once more we see this academic who enjoys his comfortable life in a free and democratic society, and who denies the right of others (Syrian included) to have the same.

There is a similar political struggle going on in the Ukraine. The west oriented political parties, that want to join the EU, vs the Kremlin oriented Victor Yanukovych. It’s a legitimate debate, that takes place in a relative free political arena. The Ukrainians are choosing their destiny.

In Syria, only one person / junta calls the shots. Let the Syrians decide whether they prefer to stay with the Muqawama camp, or change sides.

As long as the Syrian people are not being asked about that, no one has the audacity and ‘Hutspa’ to argue the “Syria this or Syria that”. It’s not Syria, but it’s the Syrian hijackers, the Syrian junta.
.

Spot on Joshua Spot on!! Arguing that Syria is going to give up its relation with Iran for a US ambassador in Damascus is laughable. I mean, over the last 30 years, Iran has proven to be the only real ally of Syria in the region and vice versa. Even if the US and its Arab allies will offer Syria econoomic and political benefits, Syria cannot (and should not) give up its strategic alliance with Iran becasue Obama is leaving in a maximum of 7 years and Syria has no gurantee that a “new Bush” will not come to the White House. In that case, Saudi and Egyptian promises are worthless because these countries will follow whatever policies Washington decides. In the long term, it is only Iran (and possibly Turkey) that Syria can really trusts.

Spot on Joshua and Observer.

Iran has been a solid ally for 30 years. The United States supported Sadat when Carter was President, but when Reagan replaced him, I remember when I was in Egypt that Egyptian diplomats and officials were privately talking of their disappointment and even “depression” (one diplomat)… it was clear to them that President Reagan’s administration did not value Sadat’s Egypt like Carter did.

The United States understands how sensitive Israel is to any sign of lack of solid support and commitment from the United States… The United States only sees Israel. Giving Egypt and Jordan some money and some coverage (like not calling their leaders dictators) … but that’s it. It is all about Israel.

Until Israel is NOT anymore Syria’s enemy, I hope our American friends realize that we can not drop our allies and trust that the United States will be our new, one and only, ally … surely the United States will not reward us by supporting our national rights (that are backed by numerous UN resolutions) against the wishes of our greedy enemy, America’s perceived one and only real friend in the area, Israel.

Solve the conflict in the Middle East first, then we can take your wishes more seriously.

In you are not willing or are not capable of pressuring the Israelis to respect UN resolutions then, try what Syria tried with Turkey, our former adversary and current closest ally, .. maybe turning Iran into your friend is the best way out of this foolish one way road towards world war that you are heading into.

It is all about Israel
this is absolutely true. A.P. you are wrong or you are back to deceiving habit, which you are famous for, deceiving deceiving deceiving.
US invaded Iraq because of Israel, US against Iran nuclear plan ,is only to protect Israel,
President Obama has still three years, and most likely he will be elected for another term.
Things in Egypt are changing, I will not be surprised if Mohammad Al Baradei will be in control. Turkish Israeli relations are getting worse,Syria relations with Iran and Turkey will only get better.US will be out of Iraq by 2011, How is Israel will react to these tings,Israel will go for war, it will take one war to loose,to see the end of Israel.
However I still do not understand why US is improving relations with Syria,there has to be a reason,nothing is free.

ALEX.

Rational comments above.

Still one is faced with the fabricated image that only Israel is committed to peace and the future welfare of ALL THE MIDDLE EASTERN PEOPLES.

Israel is portrayed as the ONLY one that wants to end the suffering of BOTH Israelis and Palestenians, Syrians etc,. And the only ONE that is working systematically for a peaceful diplomatic solutions with its neighbors. who incidentally are nothing but savge jihadists.

Israel is promoted as the only state that is worthy of conisderation as a peaceful, decmocratic and non terrorist people working for the benefit of mankind.

As of the present year 2010 what Ariel Sharon is reported to have told Perez given the coverage of the msm is still evident.

“I want to tell you something very clear, don’t worry about American pressure on Israel, we, the Jewish people control America, and the Americans know it.”

Ariel Sharon to Shimon Peres, October 3rd, 2001, as reported on Kol Yisrael radio.

Ghat Albird

Prime minister Sharon might have been showing off, “Control” is too strong a word. The United States often manages to deviate from Israeli wishes. But that usually happens when realists are in the White House. When an ideologue is in there, it is much less likely that there will be variance between the two countries.

Israel has influence over various power centers in the US … That influence is additive (and multiplicative with the different weights of each power center) … influence over congress, the press, the think tanks, the White House, and sometime the Pentagon (Rumsfeld’s, for example) …

Let’s take the example of the Bush Jr. administration:

I would ESTIMATE (roughly of course) that Israel had:

influence over 80% of the media (biased towards Israel)
influence over 95% on Capitol Hill
100% influence over the White House
90% influence over the Pentagon
75% influence over state department
50% influence over the CIA
90% influence over other national security departments that were empowered by President Bush and VP Cheney to counter the non conforming CIA.

Here is how I would evaluate that Israeli influence function during the Bush/Cheney administration’s time:

II = (0.8 X Mw) + (0.95 X CHw) + … + (0.9 X NSw)

Where Mw is the weight (relevance) of the media during the Bush/Cheney adminsitration, CHw is the weight of Capitol Hill …etc

These weights are not constant … they vary over time and over the different events and issues. For example Bush/Cheney gave the Pentagon much more weight than state department … they took away from CIA’s weight by establishing national security departments that were under the control of the Vice President and under the control of Donald Rumsfeld’s Pentagon .. both of which were strongly Pro Israel.

In general, the White House can potentially have the most significant weight. The fact that the White House can manipulate the relevancy of the roles played by each of the power centers in the United States mean that the degree to which Israel’s friends can influence the White House can significantly affect the overall Israeli Influence.

When you have ideologues in the White House (Almost always blindly Pro Israel) then you have a less relevant media, less relevant CIA, less relevant state department … and more power to the power centers that are solidly managed by Israel’s friends.

How do they make the media less relevant? … wars. When the US is at war, most of the main media tries hard to be patriotic … to “support the troops” and to respect the commander in chief … which means being much less critical.

I will leave it up to others to estimate these numbers under President Obama, but in general the near laissez faire attitude of the Obama administration towards the Middle East made the White House much less of a significant player during this administration when compared to the White House (including the exceptionally powerful vice President’s office) of Bush and Cheney.

Russia to supply Iran with S-300 defense systems
By Reuters

Russia intends to fulfill a contract to supply S-300 air defense missile systems to Iran, Interfax news agency quoted Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov as saying on Friday.

Israel and the United States have repeatedly asked Russia to scrap a contract to sell Iran the truck-mounted S-300, which can shoot down hostile missiles or aircraft up to 150 km (90 miles) away.

“There is a contract to supply these systems to Iran, and we will fulfill it,” Ryabkov told Interfax in an interview. “Delays (with deliveries) are linked to technical problems with adjusting these systems,” he added.

He also cautioned against politicizing Russia’s arms exports to Iran.

“It is absolutely incorrect to put the emphasis on the issue of S-300 supplies… and to turn it into a major problem, to say nothing of linking it to the discussion on restoring trust in the purely peaceful character of Iran’s nuclear program,” Ryabkov said.

The possible sale of the S-300s, which could protect Iran’s nuclear facilities against air strikes, is an extremely sensitive issue in Russia’s relations with Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Moscow this week to press the Kremlin to back tougher sanctions against Iran.

Waiting for the third show to drop?

Michael young, Andrew Tabler, and now … David Schenker

They hate the return of the Ambassador … and the 5th anniversary of the Hariri assassination is reminding them that nothing came out of that Ace card that they thought they had against Syria.

At least we have to give David the credit for being decent enough to say “the Assad regime’s presumed role in the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri”

Compared to the pathetically presumptuous editorial of the Washington Post earlier today that said “… Having carried out a campaign of political murder in Lebanon, including the killing of a prime minister for which [Assad] has yet to be held accountable”

I honestly don’t think this was anywhere as professional or as honest as recent editorials in Syria’s often ridiculed government controlled newspapers.

Denial isn’t just a thread on Syria Comment

II = (0.8 X Mw) + (0.95 X CHw) + … + (0.9 X NSw)

Alex,

Why not just make it simple for your audience here:

II = 100%

I mean for all intents and purposes, right?;)

Ghat Albird said:

President Obama has still three years, and most likely he will be elected for another term.

Ghat,

Care to make a wager? I wouldn’t want to “deceive” you any further (BTW, you can’t deceive anyone for an opinion).

US will be out of Iraq by 2011…

Wager Number 2?

…it will take one war to loose,to see the end of Israel.

Wager Number 3?

However I still do not understand why US is improving relations with Syria,there has to be a reason,nothing is free.

Yes, the reason is because America’s new “hardline likud president” (Obama) is a puppet of the Zionist controlled drinking water, airspace, and every gentile’s brain, is an idiot.

Alex,

You forgot this article…

Russia: Iran’s noncooperation `very alarming’

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100219/ap_on_re_eu/eu_russia_iran

Akbar

I wonder what can make you ever agree … According to my formula, Israeli influence is never at 100% … “control”

Which is what you always suggest to Arab readers.

Do you disagree with my estimates? … you can, I said they are very rough estimates. But to disagree with the formula itself, I would appreciate it if you can tell me why. I will be happy to modify it.

Sorry but we can not simplify things as you suggested. The above formula explains why the United States under Obama (who is not under Israel’s thumb) still can not take bold initiatives that can anger Israel.

The direction “The United States” moves is the sum of the different vectors (forces with direction) that represent the different power centers in the United States. Changing the President changes the direction (and force) of ONE OF the significant players, but it is not the only factor.

Prof. Landis wrote:

“Syria has always been ready to trade help with Iraq and fundamentalists for normal relations.”

Can you elaborate what positive role you think Syria has to play vis a vis the US’s interests in Iraq other than more closely guarding the Syria-Iraq border? Are they going to start arresting or deporting Iraqis on the US/Maliki “bad guys” list?

Can they actually do anything constructive? Or can they just limit what some call their “capacity for mischief (in this case the mischief being turning a relative blind eye the border and letting dubious Iraqi characters hang out at Nadi al-Sharq?

Joshua, Alex, Jad, FP, Observor ,

I want to ask about the reaction of Syria if after the US Ambassador in Syria and the economic sanctions are eased or lifted , the US is playing as a mediator between Israel and Syria for a settlement over the Golan , American investments are starting to go into Syria,as probably the US is planing to do ,

What do think Syria would do if the US at that time attacked Iran nuclear installations , do you think that Syria will join Iran or stay on the sideline as long as Israel is not involved , and what do you think will happen with Hezbollah and Hamas , will they join in ,
The opening of the US to Syria could be to have things that Syria will lose if it sides with Iran , that would be a big test for president Assad ,

Norman,
Hypothetically speaking, roll the dice and everything is possible should an attack happens on Iran. The resulting events will follow the laws of uncertainties of large complex systems.

But If may, I would like to add few of my insights: Neither the US nor Israel will attack Iran’s nuclear whatever it is. The fact of the matter is that Iran’s nuclear installations are NOT an easy target to hit, if not down right impossible. And it is not one or two above-ground installations. They are hidden way, way below.

Had they been a target to eliminate, Bush and his Dick would have attacked a long time ago. They were looking for blood everywhere for 8 years, yet, when their military commanders presented their assessments of possibilities, they figured that the price is too high, and it will elevate Iran to new heights while maintaining its nuclear program.

First and foremost on the Iranian minds was how to protect their most prized asset since the Shah had started this program with the help of the US.

But, to answer your question, if the US or Israel were to hit Iran nevertheless, Syria will be the least of anyone’s problem – it will be all hell breaking loose in the region, if not all over the world.

Even the mental-retard Bush had the smarts not do it while his Dick was as thirsty for blood as rabid vampire.

It is not happening, Norman – relax!

Alex,

http://www.gallup.com/poll/126116/Canada-Places-First-Image-Contest-Iran-Last.aspx
.

Amir,

these are Americans , pooled , What do you expect ,

While the US neocons/Likudniks are screaming for “bombing Iran” to the stone age, the French are in Damascus…..

Syrian progress linked to peace efforts: French PM

Feb 20, 2010 07:54 EST

Syria can make economic progress by helping Middle East peace efforts, including finding an agreement on Iran’s nuclear drive, visiting French Prime Minister Francois Fillon said on Saturday.

“One of the conditions of continued economic development in Syria is peace and security in the region,” Fillon said at the opening of an economic forum in Syria’s capital Damascus.

“If France decides to resume and strengthen dialogue with Syria, it will be because we believe Syria has a key role in establishing peace in the Middle East,” said Fillon.

“What must prevail is truth and transparency. To improve the situation, everyone must make an effort.”

Fillon, the first head of a French government to visit Syria in more than 30 years, singled out world powers’ standoff with Syria’s ally Iran over its nuclear drive as an issue in which Damascus can play a positive role.

“Peace requires a change in attitude of the Iranian government,” said the French premier, adding that “Iran is not complying with international rules and constantly violates UN Security Council resolutions.”

“We have reached out to the Iranian government without success” so far, he said, referring to Tehran’s rejection late last year of an offer from the UN atomic watchdog regarding the enrichment of uranium by the Islamic republic.

“We hope that Syria will help us in this effort for Iran to renounce decisions that endanger world peace,” said the French prime minister.

Fillon said France also was “very attentive” to Palestinian reconciliation between the Islamist group Hamas and Fatah, which dominates the Palestinian Authority led by president Mahmoud Abbas.

He added that France also was “available” to facilitate dialogue between Syria and Israel with Turkish mediation.

“We will do all that is necessary for the resumption of the dialogue,” he said.

Fillon was accompanied by Economic Minister Christine Lagarde, Culture Minister Frederic Mitterrand and a delegation of French businessmen when he arrived in Damascus on Friday.

He held talks later with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Paris hopes to build economic ties with Syria at a time when the country is opening up more and more to foreign investments as part of its reforms.

Ties between France and Syria have warmed since Assad paid a landmark visit to Paris in 2008 for Bastille Day. French President Nicolas Sarkozy went to Damascus two months later, and Assad revisited Paris last November.

Source: AFP Global Edition

A.P.
I will be glad to take you up on your offer,I will make a wager.
1) president Obama will be elected for second term.
2) US will be out of Iraq by the end of 2011.
3)If Israel loose one war,it will be the end of Israel as it is today.
A.P. said
Iran is viewed, correctly, as an “out-of-control” fundamentalist theocracy that is trying to impose its will around the world
the word CPRRECTLY is a lie. it is Israel who is out of control,trying to impose its will around the ME and the world.

Amir,

Thanks for sending the link to the poll. I found the “Notable Differences” section interesting. Israel is the only country support for which is declining with age. I wonder whether support for Israel will decline over the years or is it that support for Israel comes with the wisdom of advanced age..

You guys are missing the point. No one believes sending an ambassador will strike some grand blow against Iran, although some believe drawing Syria closer to the US puts some mild pressure on the Iran-Syria relationship.

The Iran talk is about selling the confirmation process in the Senate, thus the timing: “we are not rewarding Syria, we’re isolating Iran.” There were even reports that Bush wanted to send an ambassador back, but the political ground had been so seeded, it was not worth the trouble (this is after Abrams’ great ‘betrayal’ at the hands of Olmert vis-a-vis isolating Syria).

Obviously the roll out of Hiatt, Schenker, Young and Tabler means it could be stormy in the Senate.

You guys are also missing a bit of fun, namely the reference to reports of increased Syrian-N.Korea cooperation (Schenker is riffing here off a recent Badran piece in NowLebanon). The report is that of a Japanese journo, with “western intelligence sources.” In the past, this journalist has cited “western intelligence sources” to suggest that Iran was using North Korea to spy on the Gulfies. North Korea!!!

Yossi
Perhaps because the younger generation can pinpoint the countries they are voting about on the map.

FP
First and foremost on the Iranian minds was how to protect their most prized asset since the Shah had started this program with the help of the US.

As they should my friend, as they should. Neocons “brobaganda” aside, Iran’s nuclear program is both national and regional energy necessity. IN the second half of the 21st century, energy self sufficiency will dictate the level of progress any country can achieve and Iran’s nuclear program has more civilian justifications than it has military ones. Whatever nuclear arsenal Iran may acquire with her program will be far below than what Israel already has.

Syria should do the same, yet with more open and collaborative approach. However, I am fully against few countries having monopoly on enrichment. And this is precisely what Iran’s predicament is. It is not the problem with the bomb, it is the problem with breaking nuclear energy hegemony and monopoly. This off course applies to the big 7. As for Israel, it is all about breaking the power hegemony. One bomb is enough to eliminate the disparity and the grid lock Israel has over the region.

Wonder how many 12 year boys are in Israeli jails and no one knows about them:

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1149888.html

OTW,

There’s a professor at Hebrew University in Jerusalem that you may have heard about, his name is Martin Van Krefeld, who suggested long ago that the safest thing for the ME would be if all its major players went nuclear. That way, no one would opt to ever use it against another. Pretty scary notion, to be honest.

But there’s no doubt that Israel’s nuclear hegemony is about to end, and I would assume Iran won’t be the only nation to do so. From the Maghreb all the way to the Gulf, Arab states of different size and interests are seeking nuclear technology. It is only a question of time now.

Ford Prefect,

I agree. I don’t see America or Israel attacking Iran now. No one’s crazy enough to light up the entire Middle East, and to cause an energy crisis worldwide the likes of which this world has never seen.

Amir

I think this poll is more reflective of the steady approval of Israel in the US (65% positive, 25% negative, 10% in between)… the poll I used in my article was few months after Gaza and it was surely affected by Israel’s role there.

But this is not much better than Egypt’s … and Egypt does not have Israel’s impressive PR machine in the United States.

Akbar and Majedkhaldoun,

You are both right … BOTH Israel and Iran are consistently viewed as the most dangerous rogue states around the world.

Yossi,

I too noticed the age segmentation thing. You know what they say about revolutionaries… That, if you weren’t a revolutionary before the age of 30, then you’re a heartless and selfish kind of a person.
If you stayed revolutionary after 30y/o then you’re a moron.

I think you can apply this to the current poll. The 40y/o and older, have children to raise, and so they start to think about what world they prefer for their offspring.

Alex,

What amuses me, is that it drives you (and most of SC prestigious guests) crazy.
How can it be?.. you ask yourself. Don’t the bloody Americans see that supporting Israel is damaging their stance in the Muslim and Arab worlds?
Why they stick to those hideous, arrogant, violent, control-freaks Israelis?
And why don’t they like us? yes, us. Lovable and lovely, warm and kind Arabs?

And then, you try to explain to yourself this phenomenon: It’s the Jewish controlled media-Hollywood-press-congress-senate-white-house-whatever. It’s the ZOG that pours a psycho-potion into the American national water system, in order to penetrate the innocent American brains, to manipulate them to support Israel.

You just cannot grasp this natural American people’s support and like of Israel. It’s beyond you. So it must be some kind of a grand Jewish conspiracy.

Right?
.

Amir,

Relax buddy, no one’s quoting from the Protocols of the Elders of Zion here.

But it’s not just the Arabs that should be concerned with America’s automatic-support of Israel – it should be equally yours and mine!

Why? Because when someone (your patron) automatically supports you, year after year, decade after decade, then you cannot check yourself. You can do no wrong. You can continue the Occupation of the Palestinian Territories, continue the siege on Gaza, continue to hold Syria’s territory, continue to kill thousands of innocent Arabs in endless “operations”, and your biggest-supporters says nothing. It’s perfect, and yet disastrous.

When was the last time we were truly criticized by the Americans? It was nearly two decades ago! Almost 20 years have passed since Bush Sr. and James Baker pointed a finger at us and said “change, or else!” Does it make sense to you that 20 years have passed, and nothing, no harsh criticism by the U.S.? Has Israel made no horrific errors since? Is the fact that the Occupation only increased settlements (god knows how many times over), decreased Palestinian freedom and, as late as 2005, rejected the results of the first and only truly-free and democratic elections in the Arab world, not deserving of SOME criticism by the United States?

The only way for any system, including a country, to be able to check itself, is by having outside criticism. If AIPAC is so strong in Washington, that President after President, from Democrats to Republicans, are afraid to criticize Israel, then is AIPAC truly serving Israel’s best interests? I claim no.

AMIR IN TEL AVIV said:

What amuses me, is that it drives you (and most of SC prestigious guests) crazy.
How can it be?.. you ask yourself.

You (SC prestigious experts) just cannot grasp this natural American people’s support and like of Israel. It’s beyond you. So it must be some kind of a grand Jewish conspiracy.

WELL AMIR IN TEL AVIV …AFTER CHECKING SEVERAL WEB-SITES FOUND THE FOLLOWING INFo….. IT SHOULD AMUSE YOU NO END.

Who Controls the US Council on Foreign Relations?

President:
Richard N. Haass(Jew)

Board of Directors:
Carla A. Hills(Jew) – Co-Chairman; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Hills & Company
Robert E. Rubin(Jew) – Co-Chairman; Former Secretary of the U.S. Treasury
Richard E. Salomon(Jew) – Vice Chairman; Managing Partner, East End Advisors, LLC
Richard N. Haass(Jew) – President, Council on Foreign Relations
Peter Ackerman(Jew) – Rockport Capital, Inc.
Fouad Ajami(Arab) – M. Khadduri Prof. of Middle Eastern Studies, Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University
Madeleine K. Albright(Jew) – Principal, The Albright Group LLC
Charlene Barshefsky(Jew) – Senior International Partner, Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP
Henry S. Bienen(Jew) – President, Northwestern University
Alan S. Blinder(Jew) – Gordon S. Rentschler Memorial Professor of Economics and Public Affairs, Princeton University
Tom Brokaw(White European) – NBC News
Sylvia Mathews Burwell(White European) – President, Global Development Program, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Frank J. Caufield(Jew) – Co-Founder, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers
Kenneth M. Duberstein(Jew) – Chairman and CEO, The Duberstein Group, Inc.
Richard N. Foster(White European) – Managing Partner, Millbrook Management Group LLC
Stephen Friedman(Jew) – Chairman, Stone Point Capital
Ann M. Fudge(Black) – Chairman and CEO, Young & Rubicam Brands
Maurice R. Greenberg(Jew) – Honorary Vice Chairman; Chairman & CEO, C.V. Starr & Co., Inc.
J. Tomilson Hill(Jew) – Vice Chairman, The Blackstone Group
Alberto Ibargüen(Jew) – President & Chief Executive Officer, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
Shirley Ann Jackson(Black) – President, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Henry R. Kravis(Jew) – Founding Partner, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co.
Jami Miscik(White European) – Vice-Chairman, Kissinger Associates, Inc.
Joseph S. Nye, Jr.(Jew) – Distinguished Service Professor, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University
Ronald L. Olson(White European) – Senior Partner, Munger Tolles and Olson LLP
James W. Owens(White European) – Chairman & CEO, Caterpillar Inc.
Colin L. Powell(Mulatto) – United States Army (Ret.)
David M. Rubenstein(Jew) – Cofounder and Managing Director, The Carlyle Group
George E. Rupp(White European) – President and CEO, International Rescue Committee
Joan E. Spero(Jew) – President, Doris Duke Charitable Foundation
Vin Weber(White European) – CEO and Managing Partner, Clark & Weinstock
Christine Todd Whitman(White European) – President, The Whitman Strategy Group
Fareed Zakaria(Jew wife: Paula Throckmorton) – Editor, Newsweek International

Officers and Directors Emeriti:
Leslie H. Gelb(Jew) – President Emeritus and Board Senior Fellow, Council on Foreign Relations
Maurice R. Greenberg(Jew) – Honorary Vice Chairman, Council on Foreign Relations
Charles McC. Mathias, Jr.(White European) – Director Emeritus, Council on Foreign Relations
Peter G. Peterson(Jew wife: Joan Ganz) – Chairman Emeritus – Council on Foreign Relations
David Rockefeller(White European) – Honorary Chairman, Council on Foreign Relations
Robert A. Scalapino(White European) – Director Emeritus, Council on Foreign Relations

Of the president and the forty(40) members of the Council on Foreign Relations board of directors, twenty-four(24) are Jews or have Jewish spouses. This is a numerical representation of 60%. Jews are approximately 2% of the United States population.

This means that Jews are over-represented on the board of directors of the Council on Foreign Relations by a factor of 30 times, or 3,000 percent. This extreme numerical over-representation of Jews on the board of directors of the Council on Foreign Relations cannot be explained away as a coincidence or as the result of mere random chance. You must ask yourself how such an incredibly small and extremely unrepresentative minority ethnic group that only represents 2% of the American population could so dominate

Shai,

Do you think that Israel needs to be saved from itself ?.

Ghat Albird ,

They are the most educated , organised and motivated , for this reason alone Quotas and set aside do not help minorities , we should learn from them , religion has no place ,

excellent post, Joshua.

interesting that israel gave obama no other option

and excellent comment, Shai.

OTW, 100% agree with you on the principles of self defense and parity. I just cannot bring myself to accept a nuclear race – it’s just to dangerous and scary.

But, I am resigned to a nuclear Iran – it is inevitable. What scares me is not Iran’s bomb, it is the religious bigotry and fanaticism that is a threat much worse than any nuclear one – be it coming from Iran, KSA, Israel, or the good ol’ USA.

Amir,

I have very low expectations … I learned long time ago that most people are blind by choice to almost anything they do not like to see or read of learn.

It is called selective attention selective retention …etc … Google it.

For example … I spent 30 minutes to explain how Israel’s influence on the United States can be estimated

https://joshualandis.com/blog/?p=5468#comment-233879

I made it clear that this influence NEVER reached 100% (total control) … it varied from say 50% (rough estimate) during George Bush Sr and Carter admins, to maybe 90% during Reagan and Bush Jr/Cheney admins

It is always an exceptional influence, yes .. there is always massive Israeli manipulation of American people (brain washing), corruption and indirect intimidation of American politicians and journalists, but also there are overlapping interests and values … Israel’s influence in the US is a mix of the two types … it is not ALL manipulation and brainwashing, part of it is natural.

I assure you it does not drive me crazy 7abibi, but I am sorry for not being blind like you are into not seeing the tremendous corruption of American politicians and indirect intimidation of Americans who criticize Israel.

Why don’t you watch this clip for example and try to spot Israel’s friends (ex Israeli ambassador, Israel’s favorite dirty senator*) trying to empower American religious lunatics who are lusting for nuclear war and encourage them to go to Washington to be more active in biasing America more towards Israel?

Why don’t you ask President Carter?

Why don’t you look at an example of how Israel’s friends tried to intimidate President Carter for daring to tell the truth about Israel?

Look at what Israel’s friend at 5:20 told the student who spoke against the Israeli ambassador (he threatened “you are failing your exams”)

And let me show you a classic … Israel’s closest ally the Shah of Iran can also explain to you something:

Now, back to Israel’s favorite American senator who was seen in one of the links above brainwashing those lunatic Christians who want to see the end of the world. Here is what he also stands for:

Proposes attacking Yemen:
http://rawstory.com/2009/2009/12/senator-lieberman-calls-attack-yemen/

Supports attacking Iran
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1147872.html

Supported the Iraq war Iraq:
http://www.cjp.org/page.aspx?id=135835

FP
The last thing I want is nuclear race. What I was trying to say is that the parity of fear does not need big arsenal to break.

That said, I am all for nuclear energy. My concern with the monopoly on enrichment is not because of the non-proliferation principle itself, but with my lack of confidence in the neutrality of those guarding the monopoly on enrichment. If they are the only ones allowed to enrich, everyone will be under their mercy in not so long from now. And they have proven non worthy of anyones trust due to their duplicity and double standards, starting from France and not ending with the US.

I do not want a balance of terror. It crippled the world for a generation during the cold war, it resulted in millions of deaths in the developing wold through proxy wars. A balance of terror, i am afraid, will not fare better in the ME.

Israel is a Small country, Iran is not. Israel has a maximum potential, most of it is already realized. Iran’s potential is just beginning to materialize and it is reasonable to think of Iran achieving a status similar to that of Turkey. The Turkey-Syria-Iran trio is the real threat. Not militarily, but a strategic threat to anyone seeking to maintain the debilitated and debilitating status quo in a region dominated by Israel’s interests (both legitimate and illegitimate). A regional alliance in which Turkey is the only strong partner would probably be acceptable, but one that has more than one strong partner, and all with huge potentials is really scary to the neocon-likudnik megalomaniac dreams. It is more likely than not that Iran’s nuclear program is simply Qamees Uthman, used to rally the troops, but has nothing to do with the real motivation behind the war screeches.

Like you my friend, I am very scared of religious bigotry, but i have a feeling that it is an aberrant chapter in Iran’s history. The race is not for a secular or moderate Iran, which is inevitable, but more for the allegiance of that Iran. This is where the US fails miserably and is led by few war mongers into acting against its own interests. Since occupying Iran is out of question, attacking it will only assure a long long animosity, no matter who or what rules Iran.

Waite until the dust settle in Iraq and the troops leave, and tell me then how thankful the real Iraqis will be to bush and his criminal cohort.

OTW,

Do you think that all the fuss about Iran;s nuclear enrichment is due to their fear of Iran becoming a nuclear country or because they do not want the Muslim world to have a nuclear technology and know how , it looks that what Iran is doing is no more than what Germany and Japan can do , so the real story is their intention to deny the Muslim world the advance in technology .

Amir
What amuses me, is that it drives you (and most of SC prestigious guests) crazy.

I am happy that you find the natives amusing. But rest assured it does not drive us crazy, once one understands the mechanics, the magic is gone, and with some efforts one fixes, or perhaps remakes the fancy watch.

Norman

Pakistan, a Muslim country, with ties to taliban, and itself is a hotbed of Islamic fundamentalism and of the toxic and explosive mix of tribalism and fundamentalism already has the bomb.

I really think they are more concerned with the strategic threat of a Brazil like country in the Middle East. A country that can have independent decision making in the region, can become reasonably technological and can have influence towards ensuring regional and national interests are placed above those of Israel and the perceived (not true) interests of the west and the US, is what scares them the most.

Anti Islam slogans, and fear of an Islamic bomb is the language they use to get to the ignorant masses, of which, every country has a plenty. So it is a multi-faceted approach. No strong regional powers, and it helps if these regional powers are predominantly muslims.

Off course, in the above, “they” refers to the neocon-likudnik-settlers war mongers and not to everyone in Israel, US, or elsewhere

I’m with Amir on this one, I’m not sure what’s the point that Alex is making here. Sure, Jews and Israelis have a lot of influence on American policy. The two countries have expressed mutual commitment many times and apparently there is something in the value systems (both the good and the bad) that “clicks”. Possibly big geo-political changes can change this equation, such as Israel becoming a country resembling Iran (divergence in values) or an American bankruptcy that will force America to cannibalize old alliances (practical imperatives). Currently, this alliance It kind of works, in the sense that it preserves the elites in both countries, which is what a regime always tries to do. How does it happen that so many Jews are on the CFR, well, who profits from a pro-Israeli position? The petrol moguls and their Arabian vassals, the US defense complex, the hordes of Middle East experts in the various assessment and intelligence agencies, the TV Evangelical priests with their visions of Armagedon and redemption, all pivoted around Israel and last but not least, the rich Jewish tycoons in media, entertainment, etc. are also satisfied. And it’s not like the US has an alternative ally in the Mideast in lieu of Israel. Assad talks about “interests”, which are of course temporary, how can that ever compare to Israel’s unconditional vow of allegiance?

I also agree with Shai, the carte blanche we have received from America—and it should be clear that if the Americans really wanted, Israel would have been out of all occupied territories already—has been spoiling Israel and making it extremely rigid in its foreign policy. Consider for example how BB makes a joke of himself “negotiating” with Russia about arms deals with Iran and with China about sanctions on Iran. A dose of reality is missing, and it’s due to being used to having the big US brother back us up unconditionally.

Yossi,

I was REPLYING to Amir who decided to ignore everything I wrote so far by accusing me of believing that the Jews control America.

I replied by saying that Israeli influence is a mixture of common values (your point) and pure manipulation and indirect intimidation (Arabs’ view)

Amir needs convincing that the second component (manipulation) is real and I gave him a few links to explain that it is real.

Which part do you disagree with me and agree with Amir about?

Was I supposed to agree with Amir that I am one of those Arabs who believe in Jewish control of America conspiracy theories?

If after all your reasonable position on the Arab Israeli conflict someone accuses you of being a racist Zionist, would you let it go or would it motivate you to respond to him?

Remember the whole post you wrote when Norman misunderstood you?

I wrote to you a comment on your blog at the time … I told you not to take it personally because with all the energy I put towards peace with Israel, I still get some Israleis who insist on classifying me within their worst stereotypes of “the Arabs”.

http://1r1f.wordpress.com/2009/08/27/the-activists-execution-nightmare/

I hope this example here (amir, and even you agreeing with him) is illustrative.

Alex,

Ah, I haven’t read your long comment (#37) before responding above. I’ll look into it now. Generally my feeling (and this is were I identify with Amir) is that nobody is being manipulated, who doesn’t want to be manipulated. You’re forgetting that the stories that Israel feeds America, are very similar to the ones America feeds itself, regarding past and present foreign-affairs questions. It all fits a pattern. Give the Americans the credit of knowing how to deceive themselves (to occupy and exploit while talking about freedom for example) this is how you get to be #1 power in the world.

I also agree with Amir about the point of being “loved” by Americans. Tell me seriously that the Arabs want to be loved by the Americans. If you want that, what you need to say is just say “we’ll always be with you America, our best friend forever”. This is what Israel says, can an Arab country say that?

In light of that, I feel that you are over-analyzing, for example with the Israeli Influence formula.

Amir
See, Yossi, agreeing with you, but taking out the Magic. Can you see the mechanics.

Alex
As you do, I also agree with Yossi on many of the points. It is a matter of how each country perceive itself. The US,Israel, Canada, Australia, and the former South Africa are all countries that perceive themselves as countries built by those pioneers most of whom left their home of origins persecuted to succeed beyond their imaginations. There is a bond in that feeling of exceptionalism.

Yet, there is also the fact that all of these countries were built on the land “freed ” from the murdered indigenous. And there is a bond in that as well, it is the bond of guilt. The funny thing though is that all of these countries use their democracy as means to wash out the guilt part, and to emphasize the exceptinalism part. And my friend, there is also a bond in that. I would call it search for legitimacy.

This may have been the case for most of the world, but in the rest of the world, it has happened long ago and guilt, exceptionalism are by now gone, and the search for legitimacy is by now replaced by national identity.

Both Yossi and you got it right, part of it is the values, the good and the bad.

Very good OTW, what I wanted to say but much clearer.

Also, there is a feeling that the Arabs, Palestinians in particular, are appealing to the West as some sort of a pure judge, to evaluate their accusations against Israel (e.g., war crimes), but what they are forgetting is that acknowledging Israel’s guilt also implies American and British guilt (in Iraq, Afghanistan,…) so they must dismiss the accuser to maintain the self-image of liberators and freedom fighters.

Alex,

I watched the videos… not much to add now… except that those powerful and power-drunk Jews are a small minority amongst us, which can bring a disaster to all Jews. As you like to say: action/reaction. The Shah was almost prophetic about that. I’m very fearful of that, especially if the US is going to go bankrupt. Chris Hedges talks about how there is no popular political alternative to the democrats and republications, both shills of the large corporations, and how upon an economic meltdown, Jesus will be the only unifying power for the people in a Christian fascist state. This could be catastrophic for Jews in America, who will be held accountable for America’s demise.

OTW,

You are a psychologist-of-nations, my friend. What a fantastic summary.

Add to that the darker-color of the indigenous population which, until this very day, represents a lesser-human being in White man’s psyche, and you’ve got yourself one self-legitimizing system that aims to “save” itself, at the cost of others.

Even the so-called “Liberation of Iraq” was sold, first and foremost, as the removal of a threat against the United States. The “freedom” of Iraqis was adopted once it became clear that Occupation would be required.

Just last night I had an argument with a friend, over which would have been more effective for the Palestinians – their own version of Mahatma Gandhi, or declaring the end of their dream of Palestine (and demanding immediate Israeli citizenship). I would pay good money to see the latter happening, and to enjoy watching the long lines of the Lieberman’s and Ayalon’s out there, begging to be received in Ramallah, offering not only a separate Palestinian State, but as a Sunday Special, also Ariel, Ma’ale Adumim, and Kiryat Arba!

All of us read history, but very few of us learn it.

Yossi,

Also, there is a feeling that the Arabs, Palestinians in particular, are appealing to the West as some sort of a pure judge, to evaluate their accusations against Israel (e.g., war crimes), but what they are forgetting is that acknowledging Israel’s guilt also implies American and British guilt (in Iraq, Afghanistan,…) so they must dismiss the accuser to maintain the self-image of liberators and freedom fighters.

That’s a good point. But I tend to disagree. Iraq and Afghanistan and Israel and Palestine aren’t the same thing. In Iraq, American public opinion was decidedly against the war towards the end of Bush era. And some Americans (certainly more in percentage than those who favor Israel, or are ready to cut Israel some slacks as far as war crimes are concerned,) are trying fingers and nails to prosecute Cheney and co. For abusing human rights and legalizing torture. Many Americans are ashamed of Gitmo. Many Americans are ashamed of Iraq war lies. It is *those* Americans that I think we could appeal to, and bring to understand the fallacy of Israel’s moral superiority.

Yossi,

Also, there is a feeling that the Arabs, Palestinians in particular, are appealing to the West as some sort of a pure judge, to evaluate their accusations against Israel (e.g., war crimes), but what they are forgetting is that acknowledging Israel’s guilt also implies American and British guilt (in Iraq, Afghanistan,…) so they must dismiss the accuser to maintain the self-image of liberators and freedom fighters.

That’s a good point. But I tend to disagree. Iraq or Afghanistan or Israel or Palestine aren’t the same thing. In Iraq, American public opinion was decidedly against the war towards the end of Bush era. And some Americans (certainly more in percentage than those who favor Israel, or are ready to cut Israel some slacks as far as war crimes are concerned,) are trying fingers and nails to prosecute Cheney and co. For abusing human rights and legalizing torture. Many Americans are ashamed of Gitmo. Many Americans are ashamed of Iraq war lies. It is *those* Americans that I think we could appeal to, and bring to understand the fallacy of Israel’s moral superiority.

The indian extermination the US

There is a extraordinary serie on ARTE, produced by the US about the Indian question. It has stricking similarities with how Israel is treating the Palestinians, sneakingly eating up the lands while invoking democracy. I agree with OTW: Canada, the US and Australia, by supporting Israel in its harassement and land confiscation of Palestinians are perpetuating the view, well implanted in their psyche, that local populations are ‘savages’ and that only the “superior” western civilization should prevail in the world.

Place Your Bets

[21.] majedkhaldoun said:

A.P.
I will be glad to take you up on your offer,I will make a wager.
1) president Obama will be elected for second term.
2) US will be out of Iraq by the end of 2011.
3)If Israel loose one war,it will be the end of Israel as it is today.

majedkhaldoun,

Great. Just to be clear, we need a little more detail:

1.) clear: Obama wins second term (November 2012 general election)

2.) Somewhat clear: US will be out of Iraq by the end of 2012.

What if there are still American bases and/or advisors? What if there are still a few thousand troops? Did you want to clarify this or does ANY American military presence count?

3.) Not clear: What constitutes a “war”? Was Israel at “war” with Gaza and Lebanon? How do you know whether or not Israel will “lose” the war? Are you saying that after the next “war” (please define) “it will be the end of Israel”? Also did you have a time frame in mind?

Anyway, I suggest $20 for each wager. Alex will hold the money until each bet becomes due by the date mentioned or the next “war”.

Ghat Albird,

What is the purpose of your list of 30 or so “Jew”, “Black”, “White European”, “Arab” supposed so show?

Are you saying this list of people “controls” US foreign policy?

Why Discuss,

It is so difficult for us “White folk” to look at the darker natives as equals… All over the world, we quietly know they’re still “slightly” beneath us. Add to that beards, a Kafiah, and the belief in Allah, and you’ve got yourself frantic little Swiss citizens, seeing SCUDS in every minaret. And all the rest, pretending to be shocked.

It used to be that way in Israel, between Ashkenazi Jews and Sepharadic ones (origin in the Middle East). But now, after decades of intermarriage, thank god one’s origin has become meaningless. We haven’t, however, mixed yet with Israeli-Arabs. That is the next step, for Israel to rid itself of its innate Racism.

OTW, Yes, I couldn’t have said it better. Iran is an emerging Middle Eastern superpower that threatens to disturb the balance of power – where Israel is the sole proprietor. So, whatever the “disturbed” can do to slow Iran’s ascent , they will do.

OTW is correct in pointing out that Iran is a fundamentally forward-looking nation with a modern and rising population that is difficult to radicalize.

Look at this , The US is playing the Carrot with Syria to pull it away from Iran after the Stick of President Bush did not work ,

Posted: Sunday, Feb 21, 2010 – 08:40:45 am CST

ANALYSIS: US open to Syria as Mideast peace player

By Barry Schweid, Associated Press
WASHINGTON — For five years, the United States has shunned Syria, denying the Arab country the prestige and access that come with having an American ambassador in Damascus.

The instant explanation was to protest the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, who was killed in 2005 in a Beirut truck bombing that his supporters blamed on Syria.

Syria denied involvement and has expressed interest from time to time in being involved in U.S. efforts to promote peace between Israel and its Arab neighbors.

By all accounts, Syria now will get the opportunity. Depending on Senate confirmation, a seasoned ambassador, Robert Ford, will be sent to Damascus as U.S. envoy and the door will be open for Syria and Israel to negotiate with U.S. blessing — assuming talks can be arranged.

“It’s a clear sign, after five years without an American ambassador in Damascus, of America’s readiness to improve relations and to cooperate in the pursuit of a just, lasting and comprehensive peace between Arabs and Israelis,” Mark Toner, a State Department spokesman, said Wednesday.

The Syrian Embassy spokesman welcomed the move.

Ahmed Salkini said in an interview, “We face some thorny issues in our region. It is imperative for a regional player like Syria and the world’s superpower to maintain a deep dialogue.”

Since December 1979, Syria has been on the department’s list of countries that support terrorism.

The ongoing accusation includes suspicions Syria collaborates with Iran in supplying munitions to radical Islamist groups for use against Israel. That listing has not been erased. State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley said Thursday “we continue to have concerns about Syria and its ongoing support of terrorist elements in the region.” “There are a variety of actors in Damascus we think should not be there,” he said. Crowley said if Syria makes progress in this area “we will evaluate” the listing. But he said he was not aware of any effort now to consider removing Syria from the list. All the while, though, there has been no denying that Syria is a front-line state in the Arab-Israeli dispute. It wants to regain the strategic Golan Heights, an enclave Israel captured during the 1967 Mideast War. It has offered peace in exchange. Aaron David Miller, a longtime Middle East negotiator and State Department adviser, said in an interview Wednesday that every president since then, with the exception of George W. Bush, has been “fascinated with the possibility of an Israeli-Syrian peace treaty.”

“None has managed to bring it to fruition,” Miller said, “and without an active peace process involving the United States, the chances for an improved U.S.-Syria relationship are very, very slim with or without a new U.S. ambassador.”

The decision to appoint a U.S. ambassador coincides, however, with rising administration disagreement with Iran and a U.S. effort to unite the Arab world in opposition to the regime in Tehran, isolating it if possible.

Syria’s strong ties to Iran work against that kind of union. The Obama administration could be betting the ties could be loosened with some serious coaxing from Washington and a determined effort by the administration to drive home terms for a settlement between Israel and Syria.

Yossi

Also, there is a feeling that the Arabs, Palestinians in particular, are appealing to the West as some sort of a pure judge, to evaluate their accusations against Israel (e.g., war crimes), but what they are forgetting is that acknowledging Israel’s guilt also implies American and British guilt (in Iraq, Afghanistan,…) so they must dismiss the accuser to maintain the self-image of liberators and freedom fighters.

As offended said, this is a good point. I agree with its premise, but would add that the implication of sharing guilt has less to do with Iraq and Afghanistan and more to do with the role these countries had in creating and sustaining the youngest member of the “exceptional” nations club.

Shai
Absolutely correct, the feeling of exceptionalism is also related to the notion of “liberating” the land from the backward dark skinned natives .

FP
Sorry to be auto-biographical below, but I can only draw scenes from my environment:

The last year has been one of my most productive academically, and I owe that to two brilliant graduate students from Iran. Between the two of them, we managed to get out 6 peer reviewed publications with three more on the way. Two of these publications are already making strong presence on the citation list.

For years now, I have been interacting with young Iranian students, and I am not talking about Iranian-Americans, I am talking about those who until they came to the US, have lived their lives in Iran. Given their ages, most have lived their entire life under the revolution. What pleases me the most is that once they arrive and start their study program, they hit the ground running academically and culturally, even those with strong religious feelings. I find their level of preparedness beyond exceptional and it rivals that of students coming from elite universities in the US. One beautiful thing is that our group get as many applications from female students as we do from male students from Iran. I am afraid to say that the ratio for Americans is far less than that for Iran. Yes, Iran has a forward looking, dynamic, self cognizant and confident young generation. I believe that they will lift Iran, and in the process lift the entire region. Some may say that I am only seeing the elite of Iran, but that also applies to all of the countries from which we receive applications. By the way, working with the meritocratic elite groups from all nations is always rewarding, sometime frustrating, and frequently humbling experience. I am sure most of us “technicals” expats know that rather well. 🙂

Hi Offended,

Yes, good point, but the ones who want to persecute Cheney are somewhat like Israeli democrats (supporters of a democracy of all its citizens rather then a “Jewish democracy”), a small minority. They’re working from outside the walls of government and are therefore much less powerful compared to the ones connected straight to the tap… They are not the ones who would lose from admission of guilt…

AKBAR PALACE asks
Ghat Albird,

What is the purpose of your list of 30 or so “Jew”, “Black”, “White European”, “Arab” supposed so show?

Answer: General information. Here’s additional information that might interest you AP.

Board of Governors of the US Federal Reserve

Ben S. Bernanke(Jew) – Chairman
Donald L. Kohn(Jew) – Vice Chairman
Kevin M. Warsh(Jew Wife: Jane Lauder)
Elizabeth A. Duke(White European)
Daniel K. Tarullo(White European)

Federal Reserve District Banks:

Eric S. Rosengren(Jew) – President, Federal Reserve Bank of Boston
William C. Dudley(White European) – President, Federal Reserve Bank of New York
Charles I. Plosser(Jew) – President, Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia
Sandra Pianalto(White European) – President, Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland
Jeffrey M. Lacker(Jew) – President, Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond
Dennis P. Lockhart(White European) – President, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta
Charles L. Evans(White European) – President, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago
James B. Bullard(Jew) – President, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Gary H. Stern(Jew) – President, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis
Thomas M. Hoenig(Jew) – President, Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City
Richard W. Fisher(Jew) – President, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas
Janet L. Yellen(Jew) – President, Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco

Of the five(5) members of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, three(3) are Jews or have Jewish spouses. This is a numerical representation of 60%. Of the twelve(12) Federal Reserve District Bank presidents, eight(8) are Jews. This is a numerical representation of 67%. Jews are approximately 2% of the United States population. This means that Jews are over-represented on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors by a factor of 30 times, or 3,000 percent, and over-represented among the Federal Reserve District Bank presidents by a factor of 33.5 times, or 3,350 percent.

This extreme numerical over-representation of Jews among the members of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors and the Federal Reserve District Bank presidents cannot be explained away as a coincidence or as the result of mere random chance. You must ask yourself how such an incredibly small and extremely unrepresentative minority ethnic group that only represents 2% of the American population could so completely dominate the U.S. Federal Reserve System.

Are you saying this list of people “controls” US foreign policy?

Answer: Your guess is as good as anybody’s.

Answer: Your guess is as good as anybody’s.

Ghat Albird,

Of course, I didn’t expect you to answer my question directly. Syria Comment has a great network of Arab conspiracy theorists such as yourself and Alex, who like to roll up American actions into a nice, comfy “Jewish” ball. Again, that’s fine if it makes you feel comfortable, but if you want to change American foreign policy, you’ll need to be a little more clever than that.

American foreign policy is a very complicated combination of the State Department (which has never been terribly pro-Israel), the CIA (which has never been terribly pro-Israel), the US Congress (aka The “People”, which is more pro-Israel because of the 2% Jewish population and a much larger group of pro-Israel Christians), and the US Administration.

George H.W. Bush Administration with James Baker as Secretary of State was the least sympathetic to Israel that I can recall, yet this administration wasn’t about to throw Israel “under the bus”. This administration held up loan guarantees due to building in the West Bank, but alas, this wasn’t enough to phase Yassir Arafat. It will never be enough.

Anyway, just my opinion, but feel free to list names if you think that helps.

AKBAR PALACE said:

I’ll need to be a little more clever than that……and I should feel free to list names if I think that helps.

Since I have AP’s permission and according to him I need to be more clever ( than he ?)

Here’s a link of interest.

http://blogs.forbes.com/streettalk/2010/02/18/goldman-sachs-shorted-greek-debt-after-it-arranged-those-shady-swaps/

Ap. Ghat , Alex ,

Look at this ,people are thinking in the US ,

OpEdNews

Original Content at http://www.opednews.com/articles/U-S-Middle-East-Policy–by-Dan-Lieberman-100218-716.html

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February 21, 2010

U.S. Middle East Policy – A Road to Disaster

By Dan Lieberman

Isn’t it time for the United States’ State department to prevent additional United States foreign policy debacles? Look at the record. From Vietnam to Angola to Nicaragua, Somalia and on to Iraq and Afghanistan, United States foreign policies degraded into military interventions and proved counterproductive; accomplishing the very results the policies were formulated to prevent. Regimes, which the U.S. intended to replace either became strengthened (Vietnam, Angola), returned in almost equal form (Nicaragua), evolved to a more antagonistic form (Somalia), or remained unresolved (Afghanistan, Iraq). With a trajectory similar to previous, U.S. policies towards the larger Middle East will achieve similar counterproductive results. U.S. policies are on a road to disaster for Middle East nations and the American people. A new road, which averts disaster, can be conveniently chosen.

Although President Barack Obama did not consider Middle East policies in his remarks, he bravely spoke of the reason for U.S. policy makers to act improperly; “Every day is election day in Washington, D.C.” Congressmen approve policies that enable them to be elected by the American people rather than approving policies that advance the American agenda. Representatives support the special interests and lobby groups who furnish them with the funds and publicity that guarantee elections. Similar to fans who overrate film stars, many citizens associate publicity with accomplishment and carelessly re-elect legislators who satisfy their subjective wants but blind them to their objective needs.

Zero in on U.S. interests in the Middle East and we find them primarily confined to assuring sufficient oil supply and combating terrorism from extreme Islamic groups. Research the status of the policies for protecting these interests and we learn of growing failure, misaligned perspectives, and more foreign policy debacles that will prove counterproductive.

The U.S. was the largest importer of Iraqi oil under the UN Oil-for-Food program and the principal recipient of Saudi oil for decades. From having almost a monopoly on Middle East oil production, the U.S. oil industry now receives a diminishing percentage. Reuters, BAGHDAD, Dec 13, 2009 reports there has been no boon for U.S. firms in Iraq oil deal auction.

“Critics said the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq was driven by oil, but United States oil majors were largely absent from an Iraqi auction of oil deals snapped up instead by Russian, Chinese and other firms.”

FX Street.com reports that China has probably taken over the US’ status as the world’s largest oil consumer.
“Saudi Aramco, the world’s biggest oil producer, said it is exporting about 1M bpd of crude to China, more than to the US. The CEO, Khalid al-Faith, said the company will focus on China in coming years.”

Failure to reduce dependence on Middle East oil has propelled the U.S. into interference in Middle East nations. Misadventures have caused conflagrations, destruction, armed conflicts and immense numbers of local casualties. The same misadventures and its immense number of local casualties have generated terrorism. How else can the terrorism be explained? After all, China, Japan and a host of other nations who have dealings with Middle East oil producers have not encountered international terrorism. U.S. unwarranted support for the Mujahideen during the Soviet/Afghan war led to Taliban control of Afghanistan and installation of al-Qaeda training camps within the extremist Islamic nation. The severe confrontations between the Sunni civilian population and U.S. troops after the invasion of Iraq propelled foreign militants to Iraq.
If combating terrorism and Radical Islam are the principal objectives of U.S. foreign policy then modifying the nature of nations who incite terrorism will be helpful. Until now, the U.S. has refused to properly engage Saudi Arabia and Israel (two antagonists), both of whom suffer from terrorism, but have internal policies that promote international terrorism and Radical Islam.

U.S. support for the repressive Saudi regime has assisted Saudi’s royal family to exerecise rigid political control and self-serving economic policies. The latter has aroused severe resentment from radicalized Muslims who suspect the U.S. support maintains Saudi power. All American administrations have ignored that Saudi Wahabbism and Sharia law, the most fundamentalist aspects of the Muslim religion, have developed an extreme ideology in Muslim youth. Let us recall that most of the 9/11 conspirators were Saudi and many of the al-Qaeda in Iraq militants proceeded from Saudi Arabia. Imagine if they originated from Syria? Would Syria even exist today?

U.S. support for Israel’s expansionist policies and its oppression of the Palestinian people has provoked Radical Islamic groups. Intention to incorporate all of Jerusalem into its territory has added fuel to fire. Although Israel receives funds, weapons and political support from the U.S., the generosity is rarely returned. Israel proceeds with disputed settlements, seizing of Palestinian lands, constant violent actions across its borders and provocative policies regardless of the wants and effects on its benefactor.

Despite years of a war on terrorism, terrorist actions and elements around the globe have grown.

On the other hand, for no decisive reason, the U.S. has strained relations with several nations who can be helpful in pacifying the Middle East. In these situations, the U.S. should re-evaluate its policies.

U.S. administrations consider Syria as an enemy, but why? The Syrians must answer to its repressive attitude, and its relations with states and groups which the U.S. determines undesirable. Nevertheless, these negative characteristics are not unique. China, Egypt and several other nations with whom the U.S. has close relations share similar attributes.

The U.S. can resolve its differences and clarifying its relations with Syria by understanding Syria’s position. Isn’t it natural for Syria to act hesitatingly with a nation who defends Israel, which has apprehended the Golan Heights? Why would Syria welcome U.S. troops at its borders after the invasion of Iraq? The U.S. exaggerates Syria’s obstinate policies and does not credit Syria with its helpful policies.

After Syrian President Bashar al-Asad denounced the 9/11 attacks, FBI agents traveled to Syria in 2002 and investigated al-Qaeda activists who had been in Syria or had maintained ties with Syrian citizens. Senior American officials were quoted as saying that the information provided by Syria helped prevent attacks on American targets in the Gulf and saved many American lives.

Syria’s most meaningful assistance to the world community and to the United States is its operation as a safety valve for refugee displacements. Syria has housed several hundreds of thousand Palestinian refugees for decades and granted them almost full rights. It has hosted two million Iraq refugees. What would have happened if Syria refused entry to these refugees?

Responding to U.S. and UN demands, Syria has removed its troops and authorities from Lebanon. Has Israel responded to UN requests to leave the West Bank? Unlike Israel, who bombed the U.S. ship USS liberty during the 1967 war, has denied entry to and imprisoned many U.S. citizens, and been complicit in the deaths of several Americans, the Syrian regime has never harmed any American. Doesn’t responsive to UN dictates and behavior to American citizens count in the formulation of foreign policy?

The U.S. regards Hezbollah and Hamas as terrorist and radical. However, Hezbollah has played a significant role in stabilizing Lebanon and has been responsible in its parliamentary duties. Its acceptance as a legitimate expression of a constituency has been echoed in a recent declaration by Lebanese Sunni Prime Minister Hariri, who complained about Israel flights over Lebanese territory and vowed, “There will be no division in Lebanon. We will stand against Israel. We will stand with our own people.”

Hamas was criticized from refraining entering Palestinian politics. After it won the national election, it has been vilified for” for winning the election.

Hamas and Hezbollah are more dedicated to an Islam of social services and political representation rather than to a Radical Islam. They both represent major constituencies. Since their formal formations, neither of these two Islamic organizations engaged in any violent acts against the U.S. government, its citizens, and institutions.

Positive interaction with Syria, Lebanon, Hezbollah and Hamas can diminish terrorism, including in Israel, and can deny support for Radical Islam. This does not imply that the U.S. approves these governments or the Islamic organizations. It signifies the U.S. recognizes it owes a duty to its own citizens to follow all avenues that can assist in the wars against terrorism and Radical Islam.

Then there is the Islamic Republic of Iran. U.S. and the entire world community have issues with Iran especially its failure to meet the aspirations of its own people and its abysmal human rights record. However, these are internal issues that cooperation could resolve and are not issues to be used to undermine a nations’ authority. U.S. strident propaganda against Iran belittles state department efforts to resolve its differences with the Islamic state. After the intervention in Afghanistan, this U.S. adversary was helpful to the NATO action. Iran contributed funds and materials and was instrumental in forming the present Afghanistan government and in combating the Taliban.

U.S. administration rhetoric portrays the Islamic Republic as being responsible for destabilizing Iraq, preparing to attack U.S., being a principal organizer of international terrorism and a nation led by the deranged. Note that antagonistic U.S. troops now border western Iran from Iraq and are also present in the eastern bordering country of Afghanistan. There are no Revolutionary Guards in Mexico or Canada. Iran has legitimate interests in Iraq and the Middle East, which includes a natural relationship with Shia clerics and populations in neighboring nations. Is it possible that Iran senses it must defend itself and the best defense is an offense, and the best offense for a nation that has a weak army, navy and air force is the nuclear bomb? Has a U.S. militant attitude provoked the Ayatollahs to seek the nuclear alternative? Has the U.S. militant attitude achieved anything it desires from Iran? One achievement is lowering Iran’s potential oil and gas production, two scarce resources, which need increased production to lower gasoline costs at the pump and heating costs in the home. .

No definitive proof of any major involvement of Iran with the instability and militancy in Iraq has been provided. No definitive proof of any major involvement of Iran in the last decade of international terrorism has been disclosed. Iran has not harmed any Americans beyond its borders. And while “stable” U.S. leaders attack nations throughout the world, causing massive death and destruction, the U.S. accuses Iran’s leaders of being deranged

Despite its quirky and dismal character, The Islamic Republic can play a decisive role in stabilizing Iraq and pacifying much of the Middle East – an opportunity which awaits U.S. policy makers and an opportunity they will undoubtedly neglect.

The turnaround for a successful Middle East policy starts with the State Department re-evaluating relations with its self-made enemies, removing the blinders that guide its relations with its dubious friends, and proceeding with a foreign policy that guides all and is not driven by the needs of a few.

U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East is linked to Israel’s policies, which are guided by an “all or nothing” solution. Israel no longer indicates it wants peace. It wants surrender. Since Israel’s expansion only leads to collisions with enemies, how will the confrontations end? Will a “push come to shove” propel Israel to use its most powerful weapon, the nuclear alternative? If so, the U.S. will be the godfather to massive destruction of the Middle East. the most severely destructive of all counterproductive U.S. foreign policies.

Quote Lincoln: “I rid myself of enemies by making friends with them.”

Dan Lieberman is editor of Alternative Insight, a monthly web based newsletter.

Author’s Bio: Dan Lieberman is Editor of Alternative Insight, a monthly web based commentary news letter. His articles on politics and foreign affairs have appeared on many web sites.

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Shai,

>>> It used to be that way in Israel, between Ashkenazi Jews and Sepharadic ones (origin in the Middle East). But now, after decades of intermarriage, thank god one’s origin has become meaningless.

This is probably the thing farthest from truth you’ve ever said, representing your Ashkenazi blind-spot 😉

‘New US envoy to Syria a mistake’

BY HERB KEINON
22/02/2010

Democratic US Congressman Eliot Engel slams Obama’s Mideast policy.

US President Barack Obama’s decision to re-appoint an ambassador to Syria was a “mistake,” US Congressman Eliot Engel (D-New York) told The Jerusalem Post.

Engel was the sponsor of a 2003 bill calling for sanctions against Syria if it doesn’t end support for terrorism and leave Lebanon.

In reference to the brouhaha over the Foreign Ministry’s decision not to meet with J Street members accompanying a delegation of US congressman, Engel – who was in Israel last week – defended the government’s right to meet with whom it saw fit.

“It’s up to Israeli officials to decide who they will meet with, and who not to meet with,” he said.

He pointed out that a number of the congressmen that J Street brought over vote against Israel on resolutions that generally carry massive support on the House floor.

For instance, two of those congressman – California Democrats Lois Capps and Bob Filner – voted against House Resolution 867 that slammed the Goldstone Report and re-affirmed Israel’s right to self-defense.

Another member of the delegation, Bill Delahunt (D-Massachusetts), voted “present,” while Donald Payne (D-New Jersey) did not vote. The only member of the delegation to back the resolution, deemed in Jerusalem an important pro-Israel resolution, was Mary Jo Kilroy (D-Ohio).

The resolution passed 344-36, with another 22 voting “present,” and 20 not voting.

J Street head Jeremy Ben-Ami, in a post on the organization’s Web site Friday, characterized members of the delegation his organization brought to the country as “key friends of Israel in Congress.”

Engel, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and a staunch supporter of Israel in the House, said J Street takes “positions in Washington I have difficulty with.”

Engel said J Street’s statements “over-emphasize” what the organization feels Israel is not doing, “rather than putting the blame squarely where I think it belongs – the Palestinian attitude of denying Israel the right to exist as a Jewish state.”

He continued, “If you look at some of the votes we had in the US Congress pertaining to Israel and the Middle East, there are some people on that [J Street] trip who the government would be unhappy with regarding their votes – and that would be understandable. They probably feel that if people are going to criticize them, they don’t have to facilitate the criticism.”

Regarding the appointment last week of Robert Ford as Washington’s first envoy to Syria in five years, Engel said he had “reservations” about the move, saying that Damascus has been “obstructionist” and is a huge supporter of Iran, which “right now is the worst player in the region.

“Iran right now is attempting to develop a nuclear bomb, is a major financer of international terrorism, and Syria is right by their side,” Engel said. “Both Iran and Syria, in my opinion, play a destabilizing role in Lebanon, and I just haven’t seen a sign of any moderation on behalf of the Syrians. We have been down this road before.”

Engel said he viewed appointing an ambassador to Damascus as a mistake, “unless Syria has agreed to something I am not privy to behind the scenes, making themselves helpful, ready to take some steps away from Iran, ready to cooperate in the region for peace and stability.

“If there was a wink and a nod and some quid pro quo, then there is some rationale for the move, but short of that, I don’t see any rationale in it at this time.”

Engel said it was pretty clear that a year of Obama’s engagement policy toward Iran has “pretty much failed, and that all the Iranians are doing are playing for time to get more time to build the bomb.”

Engel said the Obama administration understood this now, which is why it was stepping up its call for sanctions against Teheran.

Another way to pressure Iran is to isolate it, which Engel assumed was one of the reasons for the reappointment of an ambassador to Syria, hoping that this would be a way to tear Syria out of the Iranian orbit.

Asked about Obama’s overall Middle East policy, Engel – one of the first Democratic congressmen who broke with Obama’s polices on Israel early on – said that the administration clearly “made some mistakes getting out of the box.”

Engel said Obama erred in publicly pressing the settlement issue, something that made Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas “dig in his heels.”

Likewise, he said, by publicly pressuring Israel, and not simultaneously pressing the Palestinians on any issues, “it just gives the wrong impression.”

This, he said, turned Israeli public opinion against the president, “and it is very hard for the Israeli government to make concessions when the population is feeling beleaguered and kind of betrayed, in a way, by the US.”

However, Engel said, the administration has learned from its mistakes and “has backed off from publicly pressuring Israel.”

And, he added, the administration has been “extremely helpful in terms of helping Israel maintain its qualitative military edge in the region.”

Unwilling to go into details, Engel said that various arms sales to Saudi Arabia and Persian Gulf states that were approved during the last year of the Bush administration had significantly eroded Israel’s military edge.

Although those arms were intended as protection against Iran, he said, they could also be turned against Israel, something that had Jerusalem “nervous and edgy.”
The Obama administration, he said, was providing Israel with what was needed to retain that qualitative edge.

The Wikipedia entry for Engel, whose ethnically diverse district includes part of the Bronx, and parts of Westchester and Rockland counties, stated that he was the co-chair of the Congressional Ad Hoc Committee on Irish Affairs, and a friend of Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams.

Asked how he reconciled his staunch friendship for Israel with a friendship with Adams and Sinn Fein, who are harsh and caustic critics of Israel, Engel said that he has discussed the issue with Adams and made his position on Israel clear.

“We have in New York multi-ethnic communities, and I have been very supportive of Irish Americans,” he said. “If the litmus test was that I had to agree with every position that different countries and different parties took [on Israel], I wouldn’t talk to anybody.”

I wonder if MR Engel works for the US or Israel , he should be treated the same way that non Jews are treated in Israel , that is only fair,

http://www.votesmart.org/bio.php?can_id=26972

That is the only way to force Israel to change ,

Ehsani , Alex ,

Are there the same treatment for Syrian Investors from Abroad , i have not heard of any help like this ,

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Syria’s Assad pledges help for Turkish investors
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has requested that Turkish businessmen directly get in contact with him to report any issues they face when investing in Syria, assuring them that the difficulties will be resolved.

Assad, speaking at a meeting with Turkish Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB) President Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu on Saturday, said, “We want Turkish businessmen to make investments in Syria.” To overcome any difficulties these businessmen face, he requested that they directly get in touch with him so as not to have to deal with bureaucratic obstacles. In regards to the plans of Ziraat Bankası to establish a bank in Syria with Syrian partners, the TOBB head stated that the negotiations were continuing but that there were some obstacles. He said Assad expressed pleasure over the visit of 35 Syrian businessmen to Turkey last week. The Syrian president also stated that he wanted priority to be given to Turkish businessmen and construction companies in tenders in various fields such as highway construction, Hisarcıklıoğlu reported. The TOBB head underlined that “Syria should not be regarded merely as a country with a population of 21 million, but as a gateway to the Arab world.”

He stressed that with the recent visa requirements between the two countries no longer in existence, the largest barrier that had hindered bilateral trade had been removed.

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that Syrian businessmen want to establish a structure similar to Turkey’s Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEİK) and requested help from TOBB. Recalling that TOBB conducts training activities for the Syria Investment Agency, he continued: “The Economic Policy Research Foundation of Turkey [TEPAV], the think tank of TOBB, will conduct an investment environment analysis of Syria. The project, which will also be supported by the World Bank, will determine the obstacles for investing in Syria.”

Following the completion of the analysis, a conference will be held jointly in Syria by TOBB, the Islamic Development Agency (İKT), the World Bank and the Syria Investment Agency, he said.

22.02.2010
Business
TODAY’S ZAMAN

NORMAN.

One has to admit that it is considerate of ALEX to make us aware that not everyone is happy with Mr. Obama’s decision to send a US ambassador to Damascus.

One senses that ALEX feels the same way as Congressman Eliot Engel. US Presidents are obligated to check with and get approval of Mr. Engel and all other Americans that hold dual citizenships and primary loyalty to Israel.

I mean seriously now what the hell was President Obama thinking. He must know by now that he has to have Israeli permission as well the OK of all dual citizenship ( Israeli/Americans ) people living in the US before making any decisions concerning the ME.

One or two more “mistakes” and Mr. Obama will find out who really is the real boss in the U S of A.

Yossi,

Would it help if I added “… for me”? 🙂 But you know the point I’m making. Today is nothing like 30 years ago. I don’t think I have a single friend that doesn’t have Ashkenazim and Sepharadim in his family one way or another. Intermarriage today isn’t an exception, it’s almost the norm. Few would raise an eyebrow if a Polish Jew married a Moroccan Jew. I’m not talking about 70 and 80 year-olds. I’m talking about the younger generation, and even their parents that are in their 50’s and 60’s.

Shai,

Let’s not get into this. Just accept it you live in ignorant bliss about this topic (no disrespect intended, my Ashkenazi wife is the same thing, you just can’t help it).

Yossi,

Maybe. But perhaps you’re also suffering from some innate inferiority-complex, which makes you less able to see these changes? 😉

Shai,

I don’t think so. I have always enjoyed all the privileges of an Ashkenazi person, and I’ve always passed for one, so this type of explanation doesn’t really pertain to me.

I see the changes very well, also the ones you can’t seem to see… To say that origin in Israel doesn’t matter anymore is to add insult to injury really, and I’m not going to write about this anymore, this is not the right venue anyway, and the data is readily available if you’re really interested.

Norman asks:

I wonder if MR Engel works for the US or Israel…

Considering he was voted into congress in the State of New York, I’ll say he works for the US.

Ghat Albird said:

US Presidents are obligated to check with and get approval of Mr. Engel and all other Americans that hold dual citizenships and primary loyalty to Israel.

Ghat,

How do you know “US Presidents are obligated to check and get approval of Mr. Engel”? Do US Presidents have to check and get approval from Congressmen Ron Paul as well?

Just testing out your conspiracy theory…

AKBAR PALACE said:

Norman asks:

I wonder if MR Engel works for the US or Israel…

Considering he was voted into congress in the State of New York, I’ll say he works for the US.

Ghat Albird said:

NO. He does not work for either the Stae of New York nor the US.
He works for a district in the State of NY.
Ghat,

How do you know “US Presidents are obligated to check and get approval of Mr. Engel”?

Ghat Albird said.

How do you know that they do not?

Just testing out your non-conspiracy theory…

Ghat said:

He works for a district in the State of NY.

Yes, in the US House of Representatives. Engel does not work for the GOI as Norman implied, and Keith Ellison does not work for the Iraqi Baath Party.

http://www.danielpipes.org/7967/keith-ellison-where-are-you

How do you know that they do not?

Correct, neither you or I know whether “US Presidents are obligated to check and get approval of Mr. Engel”.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to correct your statement as well as Norman’s statement.

AKBAR PALACE said:

“Thank you for giving me the opportunity to correct your statement as well as Norman’s statement.”

Now thats a prime DP[ipes] chutzpah statement.

Who dat Daniel Pipes ?.

Daniel Pipes is known in most US University campuses as “the chief stifler of academic freedoms” along with the defeated neocon Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania. He heads “Campus Watch” to spy on Americans and prevent any debate or discussion of Israel’s grip on US foreign policy.

65. Ghat Albird said:

NORMAN.

One has to admit that it is considerate of ALEX to make us aware that not everyone is happy with Mr. Obama’s decision to send a US ambassador to Damascus.

One senses that ALEX feels the same way as Congressman Eliot Engel. US Presidents are obligated to check with and get approval of Mr. Engel and all other Americans that hold dual citizenships and primary loyalty to Israel.

58. Akbar Palace said:

Ghat Albird,

Of course, I didn’t expect you to answer my question directly. Syria Comment has a great network of Arab conspiracy theorists such as yourself and Alex

I don’t get it … so I am today both an Arab who believes in Jews-control-America conspiracy theories AND I am also a supporter of Israel’s friends?

All I did was to state what Akbar repeated in comment 58 that Israel’s influence over US foreign policy (which was beyond excessive during the past decade) varies by administration.

Then I linked an article in the Jerusalem Post.

Ghat, I link to all kinds of relevant articles, not only the ones I like or respect. For example, I linked the Washington Post’s anti-Syria editorial 2 days ago… and I just left a comment (using the name “Aleppo”) under Ahmed Salkini’s excellent letter to the editors of the Washington Post to express my disappointment with that editorial

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/21/AR2010022103136.html

Alex,
Everybody knows where you stand so i did not think i needed to tell Ghat that , what he wrote was probably a TYPO no more , so the SUN Rises from the East no matter what people say and you do not need to explain yourself my friend ,

He heads “Campus Watch” to spy on Americans and prevent any debate or discussion of Israel’s grip on US foreign policy.

Ghat,

Excuse me, but you don’t know what you’re talking about. Daniel Pipes has no power or authority to “stifle” or “prevent any debate or discussion”. In fact, he welcomes it. For example, he wants to debate Keith Ellison, but he hasn’t gotten a response.

There’s freedom of speech in the US and freedom to publicize what people say. For example, MEMRI makes public what the Arab press says. This doesn’t “prevent” freedom of speech, it just makes it public. Similarly, that is the service that Daniel Pipes provides. There is nothing wrong reiterating what people have written or said in public.

I don’t get it … so I am today both an Arab who believes in Jews-control-America conspiracy theories AND I am also a supporter of Israel’s friends?

No. You’re certainly not a friend of Israel. All I’m saying is unlike your claim, you have no idea whether “US Presidents are obligated to check and get approval of Mr. Engel”.

C’est tout.

US foreign policy is “pro-Israel” to varying degree. Americans recognize Israel as a member state of the UN, and Americans, generally, want the US to support Israel in the Middle East against the tide of Islamic fundamentalism surrounding her.

That’s just the way it is. I would continue supporting Iran if you’re looking for a country that isn’t pro-Israel.

Interesting news: coup plot in Turkey

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100222/ap_on_re_eu/eu_turkey_coup_plot

Thanks Norman.

Akbar,

I think you still do not understand what I am trying to say. All I want to ask you is to stop calling me a conspiracy theorist. I hope you can understand that part at least. I am not calling you an Arab-hating racist (because you are not), and I would appreciate it if you also do not call me things that I am not.

As for Daniel Pipes and MEMRI … I have no problem at all with MEMRI, it reflects facts as they are without distortion. Arabs need to know when there is racism or extremism in the Arab world and MEMRI, even though it is purely an Israeli propaganda tool, is doing a good job exposing anything that is wrong in the Arab world.

But Daniel Pipes is an angry man who, like Senator Joe Lieberman, is a warmonger who has no value whatsoever for the lives of anyone who is not Israeli in the Middle East.

Pipes is free of course to promote his opinions… and I am free to tell you that he and Lieberman are despicable non-humans who take part of the blame for millions of casualties of unnecessary wars that they both promoted vigorously and continuously.

Ahmadinejad talks and threatens (in a conditional manner, “IF Israel starts another war”) … but his words did not yet kill anyone. Lieberman and Pipes’s words contributed to millions dead and injured already and they will contribute to more probably one day …

If you really care for Israel’s security, you should consider supporting and believing in the very decent and moderate Jews like Aaron David Miller and Daniel Kurtzer and Robert Malley … Not the Jews who advocate for wars against Arabs all the time. If Pipes and Lieberman are the face of American Jews then expect hate back … every action has an equal and opposite reaction.

ALEX.

خالص الاعتذار

From now on I”ll triple check for typos.

Am 100% in agreement with you on Pipes and Lieberman

I want to ask you is to stop calling me a conspiracy theorist.

Alex,

In Post #10 of this thread, you posted a made-up equation that proports calculating the amount of Israeli “influence”:

You stated:

Israel has influence over various power centers in the US … That influence is additive (and multiplicative with the different weights of each power center) … influence over congress, the press, the think tanks, the White House, and sometime the Pentagon (Rumsfeld’s, for example) …

II = (0.8 X Mw) + (0.95 X CHw) + … + (0.9 X NSw)

Where is the data supporting this? Where did the numbers come from? If this isn’t “conspiracy theory”, I don’t know what is, however, if you don’t like me mentioning this, I will gladly stop using the term on your behalf. In any case, and unfortunately, this type of conjecture is too much apart of the Arab narrative.

I am not calling you an Arab-hating racist (because you are not)…

Alex,

Thanks, and just FYI, a “conspiracy theorist” has nothing to do with racism or hate. I never considered you an anti-semite.

But Daniel Pipes is an angry man who, like Senator Joe Lieberman, is a warmonger who has no value whatsoever to the lives of anyone who is not Israeli in the Middle East.

Daniel Pipes may be angry, I don’t know. How can you tell? I know he’s very familiar with the Arab and Islamic world. Maybe he’s read too many al-Queda websites. Joe Lieberman seems to me to be a very gentle man. Just because there are politicians who feel the need to confront Iran and terrorism doesn’t make them “angry”. I think they understand the danger and they feel the need to do something about it.

Dear Joshua Landis,

I frequently read your website for your informed and balanced commentary on issues relating to Syria. However, I am disturbed and disappointed to see that the comments section frequently descends into racism, conspiracy mongering and outright anti-Jewish hatred. Do you or your staff police these comments?

Thanks Ghat Albird!

Akbar,

A conspiracy theorist is not racist, no, but he or she is someone who is considered to be off center … not realistic, a weirdo.

It is one of the favorite terms that Israel’s supporters use to comment on any criticism from Arabs to Israel’s excessive influence in the US.

I for example do not believe Israel “controls” the US, but I also do not believe its influence is 100% due to a natural sharing of values and beliefs between the Israelis and Americans.

To call me a conspiracy theorist would be unfair.

As for my equation, you are mixing the equation with the one example I used to illustrate it (the Bush Cheney administration case). I made it clear that the numbers I used were “rough estimates”, but if you want to know how I came up with those, I will give you an idea

– 100% influence over the white house because President Bush and VP Cheney never did anything serious that was not to Israel’s liking. And in fact, your own Prime Minister Ehud Olmert was proud to tell you that I am not far from the truth at all when he bragged about the time when he ordered Bush to interrupt his speech and to order in turn Condy Rice to not vote on the resolution she drafted!

http://www.forward.com/articles/14957/

How much more control do you want?

– 95% influence over congress: Again, look at the voting records when it comes to issues of interest to Israel’s right wing government … over 90% of Congressmen voted in favor of Israel. Also, read articles like this one to help you

http://original.antiwar.com/giraldi/2009/09/02/the-best-congress-aipac-can-buy/

I understand that many congressmen are often voting pro Israel because they love Israel, but tell me why it is only Israel that unites them (%95 of them) while most other issues find them divided almost 50/50

– 50% influence over CIA … this a very rough estimate of course, what do I know. But the point there was that Israel does not have decisive influence over the CIA (you see? no conspiracy theory there). This is based on numerous negative leaks from CIA officials that exposed Bush administration lies and inefficiency in its policy in the Middle East, which was identical to Israeli government’s policies. There were many books as well that described in detail the divergent views found at CIA during Bush’s two terms in office.

– If you want an example of how shifting weights (W’s) among the various power centers varies from one administration to the other: Aaron David Miller tells you of an example how Secretary of State Colin Powell’s state department (not pro Israel enough) felt powerless when Vice President Cheney’s office was empowered through the ability to correct Powell’s Middle East decisions when they are not pro Israel enough:

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/976471.html

“In 2002, then state secretary Colin Powell drafted a declaration that dared to hold Israel, and not just the Palestinians, responsible for bringing an end to the violence in the Middle East. At the very last minute, the National Security Council in the White House and the office of Vice President Richard Cheney vetoed Powell’s initiative. “A senior administration official told me,” relates Miller, “he heard Powell say, ‘They’re fucking telling me which way to take a piss and for how long.'” (p. 345) “

By the way, the various W’s in the equation are not equal and they add up to 1.0 … so the II index is normalized … it varies between 0 (zero percent) and 1.0 (100% percent “control”)

If you estimate it for the Bush Sr. (and James Baker) admin, it would be perhaps closer to 60% … if you estimate it during Bush Jr. time, would be closer to 95%

Here are my other rough estimates: Carter 60%, Clinton 75%, Obama 80% so far (on its way down), Reagan 90%

Finally, the difference between Daniel Pipes and Senator Lieberman is style. They both lobby for any war they can think of.

What kind of poison is Senator Lieberman looking for when he encourages these nuclear-war loving lunatics to lobby Washington harder?

If he smiles when he spends his day motivating a group of pro Israel Christian Zionist lunatics, that does not make him a nice person.

Dear Griffith,

Joshua and I do monitor most comments. Sometimes we are both busy and something might slip by.

But in general, facts are allowed, opinions are allowed as long as they do not represent anti Arab racism or anti semitism.

That does not mean that we will censor anyone who dares say that there is excessive Israeli influence over the United States.

Please read my comment above and tell me if you disagree with its general tone. If you do, please explain in what way it is out of line.

And please explain your definition of “conspiracy mongering”.

For example, we always allowed Israeli, American and Lebanese readers to engage in “conspiracy mongering” when they wrote about how SURE they were that Bashar Assad ordered the assassination of Rafiq Hariri.

Should we ban anyone who makes unfounded claims? such as accusations to Syria or to Israel that can not be proven? or is it only Israel that should get that preferential treatment on SYRIA comment?

They both lobby for any war they can think of.

Alex,

Just FYI, Daniel Pipes has ALWAYS been against the war in Iraq that ousted Saddam Hussein.

Surprised?

http://www.danielpipes.org/4782/salvaging-the-iraq-war

That’s what I’m getting at. I would take an opinion much more seriously if it were more nuanced, researched and investigated, than just painting it with a broad stroke of criticism based on a feeling.

It is one of the favorite terms that Israel’s supporters use to comment on any criticism from Arabs to Israel’s excessive influence in the US.

Alex,

Probably the most researched attempt to show that “Israeli influence” was the paper by Walt & Mearshimer (probably misspelled.

And of course, pro-Israel supporters have done their job refuting it. But, at least, these two men did plenty of research to “prove” their thesis.

My gut feeling is (and this is just my opinion), people confuse “Israeli influnce” in American foreign policy with Christian and Jewish-American influence. IOW, American foreign policy is more a function of American influence than ISRAELI influence.

Now if Israelis committed a 9-11 attack or were caught terrorizing Americans, I’m sure that would change things.

Akbar,

First, I am delighted to finally learn something new from one of your links. I’m surprised and impressed that Daniel Pipes did not support the Iraq war. Thanks for correcting me.

Now, I wish you will go through my links and learn something new like I did form your link above.

Learn that Lieberman always smiled and often supported bloody wars (Yemen being the latest).

As for Daniel Pipes, and to agree with your point that Israel’s influence is often supported by the influential evangelical Chritian leaders, here is something you might want to read … a Daniel Pipes interview with the lovely Pat Robertson (another one of Israel’s wonderful friends in the United States). See how the two camps are about sanctions, pressure, and wars:

ROBERTSON: Well, assuming that Iraqi scientists have gone over into Syria and weapons of mass destruction have been funneled into Syria from Iraq and they’re existing there, I mean, is this another cause to take action against them, or what should we do?

PIPES:
… What we’ve seen in the last few days from both the Department of Defense and the Department of State is a really startling change, where we are telling the Syrians, “Watch out.” I’m very encouraged by it. I think our policy of accommodation has not worked. And I think a tougher policy – especially at this time when we have the credentials, the bona fides of having virtually destroyed the regime in Iraq – is very welcome and a really important signal for the regime of Bashar al-Assad in Damascus.

… The time has come to say to the Syrian government “No” – “No” about repression of its own people, “No” about its anti-Zionism and fervid antagonism towards Israel, “No” towards its policy of aggression towards Turkey, “No” to its support towards Saddam Hussein. Time to put pressure. I’m not calling for anything military, at least not initially, but a really top-to-bottom reassessment of our relationship with Syria, and signaling to the Syrian regime that it’s no longer business as usual.

So … if Daniel is so knowledgeable about Syria, he would know that Syria does not take orders. So even though he was not joining Pat Robertson in calling for military action against Syria “not initially”, when Syria refuses to “behave” … what comes next? .. America backs down? … no, Daniel would call for action.

http://www.danielpipes.org/1058/taking-a-tougher-approach-to-syria

Finally, I don’t think I need much research when you have Colin Powell complaining the way he did, when You have Aaron David Miller explaining how they were working for Israel, and when you have Prime minister Olmert bragging publicly about how he can order the President of the United States and his secretary of State to take actions to his liking.

GRIFFITH said:

Dear Joshua Landis,

I frequently read your website for your informed and balanced commentary on issues relating to Syria. However, I am disturbed and disappointed to see that the comments section frequently descends into racism, conspiracy mongering and outright anti-Jewish hatred. Do you or your staff police these comments?

Ghat Albird to GRIFFITH.

At the present there are about a million or so Iraqi men, women and children in Syria and close to a million Iraqi men and women and children in Jordan as a result of the Bush administration’s endorsement and application of Zionist pressure to invade Iraq. That number is in addition to over one million Iraqis killed. Would you call referring to such facts as “conspiracy mongering”, or to outright anti-jewish hatred or maybe just plain racism?

Do the dozen or so references to Syria in the extracts from Mr.Nethanyahu’s, Perle’s and Feiths document on having the US complicit in changing the Middle East into Israel’s vassals disturb or disappoint you in any way?

YOU MAY WANT TO READ AND RE-READ Alisa Zinov’yevna Rosenbaum VIEWS ON FREE SPEECH BELOW.

A Clean Break: A New Strategy for Securing the Realm, commonly referred to as the “Clean Break” report, was prepared in 1996 by a study group led by Richard Perle for Benjamin Netanyahu, the then-Prime Minister of Israel.

The report explained a new approach to solving Israel’s security problems in the Middle East with an emphasis on “Western values”. It has since been criticized for advocating an aggressive new policy.

According to the report’s preamble, it was written by the Study Group on a New Israeli Strategy Toward 2000, which was a part of the Institute for Advanced Strategic and Political Studies. Former United States Assistant Secretary of Defense Richard Perle was the “Study Group Leader”, the final report included ideas from James Colbert, Douglas Feith, Charles Fairbanks, Jr., Robert Loewenberg, David Wurmser, and Meyrav Wurmser.

“Securing the Northern Border”

“Syria challenges Israel on Lebanese soil. An effective approach, and one with which American can sympathize, would be if Israel seized the strategic initiative along its northern borders by engaging Hizballah, Syria, and Iran, as the principal agents of aggression in Lebanon.

“Israel also can take this opportunity to remind the world of the nature of the Syrian regime. Syria repeatedly breaks its word. It violated numerous agreements with the Turks, and has betrayed the United States by continuing to occupy Lebanon in violation of the Taef agreement in 1989. Instead, Syria staged a sham election, installed a quisling regime, and forced Lebanon to sign a “Brotherhood Agreement” in 1991, that terminated Lebanese sovereignty.

And Syria has begun colonizing Lebanon with hundreds of thousands of Syrians, while killing tens of thousands of its own citizens at a time, as it did in only three days in 1983 in Hama….Given the nature of the regime in Damascus, it is both natural and moral that Israel abandon the slogan comprehensive peace and move to contain Syria, drawing attention to its weapons of mass destruction programs, and rejecting land for peace deals on the Golan Heights.”

“Moving to a Traditional Balance of Power Strategy”

“Israel can shape its strategic environment, in cooperation with Turkey and Jordan, by weakening, containing, and even rolling back Syria.

This effort can focus on removing Saddam Hussein from power in Iraq — an important Israeli strategic objective in its own right — as a means of foiling Syria’s regional ambitions.

“Since Iraq’s future could affect the strategic balance in the Middle East profoundly, it would be understandable that Israel has an interest in supporting the Hashemites in their efforts to redefine Iraq,including such measures as: visiting Jordan as the first official state visit, even before a visit to the United States, of the new Netanyahu government; supporting King Hussein by providing him with some tangible security measures to protect his regime against Syrian subversion. encouraging — through influence in the U.S. business community investment in Jordan to structurally shift Jordan’s economy away from dependence on Iraq; and diverting Syria’s attention by using Lebanese opposition elements to destabilize Syrian control of Lebanon. ..

Were the Hashemites to control Iraq, they could use their influence over Najf to help Israel wean the south Lebanese Shia away from Hizballah, Iran, and Syria.

‘Once a country accepts censorship of the press and of speech, then nothing
can be won without violence. Therefore, so long as you have free speech,
protect it. This is the life-and-death issue in this country: do not give up the
freedom of the press, of newspapers, books, magazines, radio, movies, and
other forms of presenting ideas.**

** An AYN RAND ( Real name Alisa Zinov’yevna Rosenbaum )

Dithering on Damascus

http://www.jpost.com/LandedPages/PrintArticle.aspx?id=169379

By MATTHEW RJ BRODSKY
22/02/2010

The argument made in Washington that aggressive diplomacy with Syria was tried and failed and incentives must be the order of the day, is false.

President Barack Obama’s recent decision to name a new ambassador to Syria is puzzling. White House spokesman Robert Gibbs explained, “Ambassador Ford will engage the Syrian government on how we can enhance relations, while addressing areas of ongoing concern.” But the areas of “concern” with the Assad regime are deep and will not be improved or resolved by the return of an American ambassador.

There were many compelling reasons why the Bush administration withdrew its ambassador to Syria in 2005. The straw that broke the proverbial camel’s back was the brazen murder in Beirut of the pro-West Lebanese politician Rafik Hariri in an operation that bore all the hallmarks of a politically connected, well-funded, Syrian state-sponsored assassination.

But Hariri’s assassination was just the tip of the iceberg. Since the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime in 2003, Syria has financed, trained, armed, encouraged, and transported foreign jihadists to fight against both coalition forces in Iraq and the fledgling army of the new Iraqi government. The Assad regime has pursued nuclear weapons and continues to support terrorist groups such as Hamas and Hizbullah in Israel and Lebanon, and remains tactically and strategically wedded to Iran.

While the White House says that appointing a new ambassador “represents President Obama’s commitment to use engagement to advance US interests by improving communication with the Syrian government and people,” nothing indicates that this form of engagement will yield positive results. In fact, a year into the Obama administration, it is becoming increasingly clear that the “direct engagement” he envisioned during his presidential campaign with regimes such as Syria and Iran has produced nothing more than an increase in Syrian support for terrorism and the ongoing spinning of centrifuges in Iran.

THAT IS because Obama’s engagement strategy with Syria is based on several misguided assumptions. The first is that it is possible to effectively pry Damascus apart from its alliance with Teheran, which will make engaging with Iran and solving the nuclear issue easier for the United States. But the durable Syrian-Iranian alliance is not a reactive marriage of convenience. They seek to overturn the regional balance of power and undermine Israel, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, as well as the US. Furthermore, Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons is not dependent on Syria. Teheran’s problem with Israel is not territorial; it is existential. Moreover, America’s issues with Iran will not improve with a change in Syrian behavior.

The second faulty premise is that Syria is ready to sign a peace agreement with Israel that will be acceptable in Jerusalem and in Washington. But Assad’s concept of peace with Israel was revealed last year in an interview with the Emirati newspaper Al-Khaleej: “A peace agreement,” Assad said, “is a piece of paper you sign. This does not mean trade and normal relations, or borders, or otherwise.” What would a cold peace with Syria look like with Hamas and Islamic Jihad’s headquarters still open for business in Damascus while weapons continue to pass freely to Hizbullah in Lebanon?

The bomb that killed Hariri and brought about the withdrawal of America’s ambassador to Syria weighed 1,000 kilograms and left a crater 10 meters wide in downtown Beirut. In addition to Hariri, the bomb killed 21 people, injured 220 more, knocked down several buildings, and set dozens of cars ablaze. This is Bashar Assad’s preferred method of engagement and he has yet to be held to account. When Syria ended its nearly 30-year military occupation of Lebanon, it did so because of strong and sustained international pressure in the wake of Hariri’s assassination. It was not the result of lengthy hand-holding and endless diplomatic engagement, but the real fear of consequences that could threaten the stability of the Assad regime.

The argument increasingly made in Washington that aggressive diplomacy with Syria was tried and failed and now engagement and incentives must be the order of the day, is false. American policy toward Syria has dithered since 2005 with neither a carrot nor a stick approach fully explored. Syria’s rogue behavior is not the result of Washington’s diplomatic communications skills; it is the result of strategic calculations and decisions made by Damascus. Syria should be presented with difficult choices that will unequivocally and irreversibly demonstrate that it has changed its worldview and behavior. Unfortunately, sending an American ambassador back to Syria will merely embolden the regime and those in the region that are opposed to peace.

The writer is the director of policy at the Jewish Policy Center in Washington, DC, and senior geopolitical analyst at IntelliWhiz LLC.

Alex,

It looks clear that MR Brodsky is more interested in Israel’s interest than that of the US one , does anybody still think that Israel does not have influence even control of the US political system ?, I doubt it ,

From http://www.MichNews.com

ISRAEL SUSPICIOUS: OBAMA’S AMBASSADOR TO TERRORIST-LIST SYRIA
Posted in: J. Grant Swank, Jr.
By J. Grant Swank, Jr.
Monday, February 22, 2010 – 2:33:39 PM

Is there any wonder that Israelis are concerned about Muslim Barack Hussein Obama appointing a U.S. ambassador to a country still on America’s terrorist list, namely, Syria?

Obama continues to lean in the Islamic direction while Islamic heads continue to up the threat against America and Israel.

The U. S. ambassador was called out of Syria in 2005 due to increased threats from Syria against non-Muslim nations. Why is it now that Obama then reinstates an ambassador when Syria has given no indications of being a trusted friend to America?

Obama determines to take such risks at the peril of the American people. Obama persists in siding up to Islamic regimes, giving the message that he overlooks their upfront threats to our very existence.

“Reversing yet another policy of former President George W. Bush, current U.S. President Barack Obama announced this week that he would nominate career diplomat Robert Ford to become Washington’s first ambassador to Syria since 2005, when the former ambassador was removed in the wake of the assassination of Lebanese President Rafik Hariri” per David Lev’s “U.S. Engaging Syria – a Terror State – on Anti-terror Concerns” (IsraelNN.com) at

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/136092

Taking such risks with our Republic, not to mention Israel, communicates weakness, not strength.

Why is it that the United States must be the first to show transparency while such regimes as Syria carry on with clandestine plots?

© Copyright 2010 by MichNews.com
Website Note: Views expressed by individual authors and/or sources do not necessarily reflect those of MichNews.com.

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