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May 8, 2009
Serious about syria?
While there is clearly reason to be concerned about the Obama administration's approach to the Middle East, there is at least one bright spot. (via memeorandum)
According to Barry Rubin the administration has been responding appropriately to Syria.
The basis for this, it seems, is that Iran is more of a White House issue and Syria is more under the control of the State Department? I can't be certain but that's what appears to be true. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Assistant Secretary of State Jeffrey Feltman seem to understand Syria's subversive role, sponsorship of Hamas and Hizballah, campaign to take over Lebanon, and solid alliance with Iran.So while many are eager to portray Syria as moderate, Clinton and Feltman no doubt noticed the wildly enthusiastic welcome the Syrians organized last week for Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
The Iranian regime may be able to poke America in the eye and get away with it. The Syrians are being held, at least so far, to a higher standard.
The administration has renewed sanctions against Syria. (h/t NeverGiveUp)
Perhaps as Barry Rubin notes, this is a matter of personnel being policy. Steve Rosen noted at the Obama Mideast Monitor:
Feltman is a gutsy guy who did an impressive job as Ambassador to Lebanon, and is clear-eyed about Syria, Hezbollah, and Iran.Dan Shapiro wrote many of Obama's Middle East speeches during the campaign, and acted as a liaison to the Jewish community. Earlier he worked for Senaor Bill Nelson of Florida, and played a major role in drafting the 2003 Syria Accountability Act,.
Of course taking a hardline against Syria while softening its approach towards Iran is inconsistent. Still I suppose getting one thing right can't be dismissed out of hand.
Crossposted at Yourish.
Posted by SoccerDad at May 8, 2009 5:37 PM
Why Does The Goldstone Commission Report Rely On Contradicting Testimony?
On a foundation of sand
Kemp vs. goldstone
The Goldstone Commission: A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To Gaza
Garlasco hits the fan
Israel deploys WorldNetDaily against Iran!
Have you forgotten?
Slapping the outstretched hand
Turki stuffing
Fadlallah clarifies that Israel's existence is the issue
FROM CAROL HERMAN
Oddly enough Iran (nee Persia), has a long and interesting history. And, what it needs is an "awakening." Where the mullahs are served "dessert" ... And, Iran goes back to being an integral part of the world's balancing acts. In other words? Not just a bunch of crazies; while China and Russia each has its own interests. And, the rabid thrust of islamification has done a lot to destroy Iran's potential.
It's possible the shi'a arabs are on a role. But that's not how arabs behave. And, Irak? Maliki went to Iran to bolster Shia survival. And, in Irak, the sunnis lost. If they didn't? You wouldn't have had the exit of so many Palestinians; who had been brought in by Saddam.
I'm not sure anyone can guess how the future will arrange itself. But DEBKA put up an interesting post, that "finally" the sunnis in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Egypt got scared enough when they saw Obama lean towards Turkey; to become so alarmed, that there may, in fact, be better prospects, ahead. (According to DEBKA, the sunni's have reclaimed what Turkey tried to steal away.)
Nope. I can't guess how this will work out. But I do know America failed, so far, in Irak. And, so the plays, ahead, are crucial.
IF Iran developed atomic bombs? The threat of them could destroy tourism in Israel. So it's not as if there isn't enough things to worry over.
On the other hand? Who says the UN stays in the driver's seat? Who says the EU hasn't got its own barrel of problems?
When FDR started out, he began by pulling at all the levers. And, yes. FDR knew success! But in the beginning? There were no guarantees. Just a lot of "alphabet soup" approaches to the deepening depression.
The "Age of Bush?" It's over!
Can Obama make mistakes? Well, if he thinks Jimmy Carter was a big success, then he's embarked on his own road to failure.
I just don't see Obama as Jimmy Carter! If anything, Obama is not in the mold of the Southern Baptist preacher.
As to the media? They went to bed with Olmert and Livni. So Bibi has got to hold his own. And, realize all the schemers out there. All up to no good.
I'm willing to wait. I think both Obama and Bibi can be successful. And, I think both Bush's were busts.
Posted by: Carol Herman at May 8, 2009 9:28 PMI don't think Iraq has been a failure since the surge thus far. Obama might turn it into a failure however.
Posted by: Laura at May 9, 2009 11:37 AM