11.15am
Syria stands to gain from Lebanon's pain
Hizbullah's stock is rising among the Arab public, and the Syrian regime is making the most of it, reports Brian Whitaker from Damascus
Brian Whitaker in Damascus Monday July 31, 2006 The Guardian
[excerpt]
Ultimately, the Damascus regime may emerge as the war's real winner, but the stakes are high and so are the risks, especially the risk of being drawn into direct conflict with Israel. In the last few days, Israeli warplanes have been probing Syrian airspace and Syrian forces responded - as they always do in such a situation - with anti-aircraft fire.
A week ago Syria quietly raised its military alert to the highest level and cancelled all leave. All units are at full strength, contingency plans are in place, and troops and equipment have been dispersed in what one diplomat called a defensive posture.
"They are being very careful not to be provocative," the diplomat said, though he thought there was still a 20% to 30% chance that unforeseen events might drag Syria into the war.
In the last few days, Israeli warplanes have been probing Syrian airspace and Syrian forces responded - as they always do in such a situation - with anti-aircraft fire.
______
Interesting.