[Mariner]

I would not be surprised is the boy dictator is hedging his bets...

The Iranian/NK axis is starting to look like a looser even to the insane.

[inkling]

If Assad seriously flips, the Hezbo's will take him out.

[the_Watchman]

Can you say: "Plays them like a fiddle?"

The liberals were convinced that Arafat could be flipped to the bitter end. At least the Clintons gave up on Arafat.

[elhombrelibre]

The "Flip Theory" or the "Kerry Theory?"

[Nachum]

Assad is a Baathist a la Saddam Hussein. He hates the west and plays us for fools while killing his neighbors too. We are idiots to even consider dealing with him.

[Cindy]

ON THE NET...

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1747324/posts?page=1443#1443

[XR7]

Assad inspires 'flip' theories

[SunkenCiv]

My first crazy prediction for 2007: the Saudis will take the lead, and will align with the US (and a new coalition of the willing) to rub out Iran's mullahcracy. The Dhimmicrats will face a stark choice -- either go along with an international consensus (heh heh) as well as the President, or to be bitch-slapped in 2008. DINOs will carry the day. ;')

Gulf states to counter Iran with largest exercise ever
WorldTribune | December 29, 2006
Posted on 12/30/2006 9:12:01 AM EST by nuconvert
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1760261/posts

Bedein: Sen. Specter Dodgy On Syria Questions
The Bulletin (Philadelphia) | 12.29.06 | David Bedein
Posted on 12/30/2006 1:03:55 AM EST by Zionista Feminista
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1760186/posts

Iran, Iraq and Democrats
davidlimbaugh.com | 12/28/06 | david limbaugh
Posted on 12/28/2006 8:21:01 PM EST by lancer256
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1759658/posts

Times Columnist's Suggestions to W: Strength Through Weakness
NewsBusters | Mark Finkelstein
Posted on 12/31/2006 8:56:12 AM EST by governsleastgovernsbest
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1760573/posts

Iranian Alert - December 30, 2006 - Islamic Republic's latest plan: “Pay-Per-Slay” of Israeli's
Regime Change Iran | 12.30.2006 | DoctorZin
Posted on 12/30/2006 7:26:08 PM EST by DoctorZIn
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1760450/posts

Iranian Alert - December 31, 2006
Iran: Imam Mahdi, Jesus to defeat enemies in Jerusalem
Regime Change Iran | 12/31/06 | freedom44
Posted on 12/31/2006 1:51:47 PM EST by freedom44
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1760667/posts

[1COUNTER-MORTER-68]

bump

[Billthedrill]

Oh, good grief, Baker had nothing to do with it - he's as much a nonentity in the Arab world as he is here. Assad and the rest of them have come down a little from the euphoria that accompanied the Democratic victory and realize now that it isn't going to result in a precipitate U.S. retreat from Iraq. In fact, it may spur some rather more vigorous activity that will definitely not be in their interest.

The U.S. is Assad's best deal despite appearances. Iran wants to own him and so do certain actors in Saudi Arabia. But he's riding the tiger of the Lebanon involvement and Iran is slowly taking control of that from him. What he has going against him is his blatant and outrageous support of foreign terrorism in Iraq. That's a losing hand anyway. What he has going for him is a little-marked but significant support of the U.S. effort elsewhere in the WOT in the form of his domestic intelligence agencies. It may be enough to call off Bush's dogs, or it may not.