Posted on 08/09/2006 11:37:26 PM PDT by BurbankKarl
I'm going to bed before my blood pressure boils over.
Last update - 05:33 11/08/2006
By Shmuel Rosner
WASHINGTON - The U.S. administration is troubled by what a senior Defense Department official termed "a rise in Syria's self-confidence."
The official, who spoke with Haaretz Thursday, expressed frustration over the fact that the United States, Israel and the international community have been unable until now to persuade Syrian President Bashar Assad to change his behavior. He attributed this failure to the fact that "thus far, no real pressure has been applied to Syria by any of the parties."
The official, who termed Syria's rising self-confidence "a problem for everyone," said that there had been chances to influence Syria, "but they were missed."
Regarding Israel's decision to leave Syria out of the current fighting in Lebanon, he said: "I don't want to say what my opinion of this decision is."
The Pentagon believes that Syria's influence over events in Lebanon has increased in recent weeks, and the Bush administration is very worried by this, since it viewed Syria's ouster from Lebanon last year as a significant achievement.
The U.S. views Syria as a destabilizing force in the region on three counts: It has not prevented terrorists from entering Iraq via Syria; it has not closed down the Damascus offices of Palestinian rejectionist groups such as Hamas and Islamic Jihad; and it continues to intervene in Lebanon's internal affairs.
In recent weeks, the Bush administration has come under pressure from former senior officials, media pundits and allied diplomats to reopen its dialogue with Syria. Six months ago, the U.S. recalled its ambassador from Damascus and has not yet returned him. But Washington does not want to involve Syria in the current Lebanese crisis without a significant change in its behavior, since, in the words of a senior administration official, "that would be an open invitation to the Syrians to resume interfering in events in Lebanon."
Just remember...things are not always what they seem to be. Be patient.
Updated Aug. 11, 2006 3:11
Lebanon refusing to allow French to enforce mandate
A new obstacle was raised in the approval of the proposed cease-fire agreement between Israel and Lebanon on Thursday night, when the latter was refusing to allow French forces to enforce its mandate by force, if necessary, as allowed by the UN's chapter VII regulations.
Israel Radio reported that attempts were being made to convince Lebanon to agree to the proposal.
If both Lebanon and Israel agree to the proposal, it is expected to brought before the UN Security Council for ratification within 24 hours.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1154525849052&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
Notice all the terminology introduced by that administration.
Profiling
Politically Correct
Spin
I did not have s(never mind)
hate crime
transgender (was that a term before them)
What am I forgetting?
No, the US gave them more then enough cover to do whatever they wanted. If the outcome is as you say, its not the fault of the US.
"Just remember...things are not always what they seem to be. Be patient."
I don't know of any other time in my life that I really would like to be wrong...and would be happy to shout it from the rooftops if I am wrong.
don't ask don't tell
"Regarding Israel's decision to leave Syria out of the current fighting in Lebanon, he said: "I don't want to say what my opinion of this decision is."
_______________
Interesting...US position
civil union
does he mention how that is going to be accomplished?
No sh!t Sherlock.
Wish I could get on the DOD's payroll and provide brilliant assessments like that.
I really like Gen. McInerny...and boy is Batchelor on fire tonight..
I think he must have gone through the same emotions we did today...up, down, up, down...he sounds fed up like we do also.
Definition of "is"
Monica, paula, Gennifer
I guess we could start an entire thread on Clintonisms. Looks like I may have hijacked the thread. Sorry.
Hey Tx, if you're still here, could you tell me the latest on the ME?? I've been away for several hours and too weary to go thru all the posts... TIA!!
Mary
I am sorry...I didn't mean to offend anyone by shortening his name.
My thoughts also. No reason running around screaming, the sky is falling, the sky is falling.
I personally think the diplomacy being so talked about is just for show. President Bush and Mr. Blair know Lebanon/Hezzies are not going to agree to a staunch peace-keeping force be it French or the Quakers.
It's just their way of saying, heh guys, we tried that diplomacy stuff and look who doesn't agree. President Bush and Mr. Blair have not put their entire careers on the line, rightfully, on the WOT to let the Hezzies regroup and rearm.
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