Talking to Syria
The Iraq Study Group and many others have suggested that the US open a dialogue with the Syrian Government. That Syria could both stop foreign fighters from entering Iraq via its borders and perhaps turn over Saddam Hussein's Baath Party leaders supposedly living in Syria. This would stop the Sunni insurgency and end sectarian killings in Iraq.
I agree that the US Goverment could talk Syrian Government officials, but to what end. Syria is not about to 'help' the US with its problems in Iraq without getting something it wants in return. Syria wants the Golan Heights back. This is an Israeli bargaining chip and is unlikely to be given away by Israel. Syria wants to restore its control of the Lebanese Government. It wants an inquiry into the killing of former Prime Minister of Lebanon Rafic Al Hariri to go away. That is unlikely given the feelings of the Lebanese people and the UN investigation group.
Talking to Syria would look 'nice' but the reality is that Syria will not agree to help either the US or Iraq with their problems without getting something it wants in return. And there is nothing Syria wants that either the US, the UN or Iraq is willing to give them in return.
12/20/06 ( 222 )
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