War (of Words) with Syria

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Tuesday, Apr 22, 2003

[Discussion of cabinet shakeup and Syria's role in same. Report on Lahoud's speech about Lebanese security in light of regional situation.]

HARIRI’S FIFTH GOVERNMENT A CABINET OF SOLIDARITY WITH SYRIA
Monday Morning (Beirut) -- April 21

Lahoud condemned the recent US threats made against both Syria and Lebanon, “especially those focussing on Syria”, saying it was “unfair to punish the Lebanese and the Syrians for standing by Iraq and insisting on a peaceful solution”. Speaking to a delegation of Army officers visiting Baabda Palace and led by the Army commander-in-chief, General Michel Sleiman, the president said that “Israel’s way of collecting the fruits of the US victory in Iraq depends largely on discrediting Lebanon and Syria and describing them as supporting the Iraqi regime instead of the Iraqi people”.

Lebanon’s support, the president explained, was aimed at alleviating the ill-effects of the invasion on the Iraqi people, adding that Israel’s game was already known since it was under pressure to implement the ‘road map’ peace plan that promises an independent Palestinian state by 2005. But to make up for that pressure, Tel Aviv wanted to strip Lebanon and Syria of any ability to resist or of any negotiating leverage.
- mark 4-23-2003 12:24 am [link]

[Gingrich expounds on diplomacy at the AEI.]

Gingrich blasts 'diplomatic failure' at State Department
White House defends Powell
CNN -- April 22

"The concept of the American secretary of state going to Damascus to meet with a terrorist-supporting, secret-police-wielding dictator is ludicrous," said Gingrich, who resigned the speakership under fire in 1999. He had represented Georgia as a Republican congressman. "The United States military has created an opportunity to apply genuine economic, diplomatic and political pressure on Syria."
- mark 4-23-2003 12:13 am [link]

[Analysis of US pressure and its effects on Syria's politics.]

Syria's stark choice
Assad must decide whether to purge prominent figures from his regime or face renewed US wrath
Guardian -- April 21

Brian Whitaker
Syria, unfortunately, is playing directly into the hands of American neo-conservatives.

According to diplomatic sources, the onslaught from Washington is by no means over, and the US is now threatening to expose key business figures in Syria over military sales to Saddam's regime.

The American move could plunge Syria into political turmoil because those involved are closely linked to the country's "old guard" - senior members of the regime who retained power after the Syrian president, Bashar al-Assad, succeeded his father almost three years ago.

More articles by Brian Whitaker.
- mark 4-22-2003 8:10 am [link]

Monday, Apr 21, 2003

Syria welcomes Bush's soothing comments
Syrian FM says Damascus always favored dialogue with Washington following US President's statement.
Middle East Online -- April 21

DAMASCUS - Syria welcomed Monday an apparent softening of US charges against Damascus, with Foreign Minister Faruq al-Shara saying the country always favored dialogue to confrontation with Washington.

"We welcome the recent statement by President (George W.) Bush and I would like to add that Syria from the beginning never wanted confrontation but dialogue with the USA," he told reporters during a joint press conference with visiting Spanish counterpart Ana Palacio.
- mark 4-21-2003 11:58 pm [link]