Posted on 08/02/2007 6:51:09 AM PDT by jhpigott
Assad encouraging army officers to settle in Syrian side of disputed region in preparation for possible confrontation. ‘We have an answer in case Israel attacks our cities,’ says senior official in Damascus
Smadar Peri Published: 08.02.07, 09:50 / Israel News
In a secret message relayed to Jerusalem, Syria warned the Israeli government that should it continue to reject Damascus’ peace overtures, a war of attrition may break out in the Golan Heights, according to a report published Thursday.
Yedioth Ahronot has learned that in recent days Israel received reports of increased Syrian presence on its side of the Golan Heights in preparation for a possible war.
Mixed Messages
Syria conflicted over war, peace / Roee Nahmias
Syrian President addresses military saying country committed to restoring hold on Golan. Meanwhile Syrian FM says 'Syria will take part in any International peace conference' Full Story
During the past year the Syrian government has encouraged its citizens to settle in the Syrian side of the Golan Heights; Israel has recently learned that many of those who have made the Golan their new home were officers in active or reserve army duty who had lost their jobs following Syria’s withdrawal from Lebanon in 2005.
Should a military conflict erupt in the region, these officers are expected to spearhead acts of attrition against Israel.
'Syria unpleasantly surprised'
For dozens of years Syrians wishing to visit the Golan Heights were required to apply for special entry permits, but in recent months citizens have been allowed to pass freely to the city of Quneitra and other towns in the region.
In addition, soldiers enlisted in Syria’s reserve units have been forbidden to leave the country to ensure that they could be called up quickly in the event of a military confrontation with Israel.
Such a confrontation would divert global attention from the international tribunal investigating Damascus’ responsibility for the murder of former Lebanese prime minister Rafik Hariri.
“Syria has an answer in case Israel attacks its cities,” a senior official in Damascus said recently, adding the President Bashar Assad’s regime was “unpleasantly surprised” by the messages relayed by the Israeli government in the past few days, according to which it refuses to return to the negotiating table.
On Wednesday Assad said Syria was “determined to retrieve every grain of land in the Golan Heights. We are stronger than we have been in the past. Syria will not succumb to pressure or be deterred by threats.”
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However, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moualem stated that Syria would be willing to take part in a US-sponsored peace conference, saying "Syria will support and participate in any international conference for peace. The objectives, participants and grounds for such an initiative must be made clear.
According to a recent poll sponsored by Terror Free Tomorrow, an American bipartisan organization that seeks to erode support for international terrorism, 51% of Syrians favor a peace treaty with Israel if it withdraws from the Golan Heights and recognizes Syrian sovereignty there.
-—“Syria has an answer in case Israel attacks its cities,” a senior official in Damascus said recently-—
“We surrender!”
Next Year in Damascus!
The Syrians seem to have a very short term memory.
Welcome to the occupied city of Damascus.
This really is not rocket science. When I was in High School 40 years ago I did not mess with somebody that would kick my ass.
Israel will not attack a Syrian city until the Syrians attack an Israelis city first. If hostilities break out it will be a war of incremental increases in violence with the Syrians raising the bar and Israel countering. Israel does not want a war and its leadership surely doesn’t, but they will react to armed aggression. The Golan is vital to Israels survival, both defensively (the high ground) and as an important source of water.
High Volume. Articles on Israel can also be found by clicking on the Topic or Keyword Israel. or WOT [War on Terror]
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i think that is a product of current leadership
with Olmert in charge that is exactly the type of Israeli tit for tat response i would expect
however, get someone like Netanyahu in charge or if Arierl Sharon snapped out of his coma or maybe even Barak (very decorated soldier, stunk as a PM though) and a can of you know what could be opened.
>>> 51% of Syrians favor a peace treaty with Israel if it withdraws from the Golan Heights and recognizes Syrian sovereignty there
Maybe a peace treaty over the Golan Heights, but what about Syria recognizing Israels sovereignty over the promised land first. Funny, how do you give a country that you don’t recognize, the power to recognize your borders.
As long as we are clear on the objectives and participants: whoever we want and whatever we want.
In the ME "Land-for-Peace" "Israeli Land for Words-on-Paper" continues to be the answer.
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