Israel Matzav

Obama to disengage from Syria?

After yet another interview filled with anti-American venom, this time with al-Hayat, Ed Stein wonders whether the Obama administration has finally had it with the chinless ophthalmologist.

What was surprising, however, was the U.S. reaction. Rather than downplay these provocative remarks, State Department spokesman P. J. Crowley replied in kind, pointing out that “Recent Syrian behavior and rhetoric has had a destabilizing effect on Lebanon and the region, has contributed to recent tensions.” In addition to arming Hezbollah with deadlier weapons, Syria continues to obstruct the Special Tribunal for Lebanon’s investigation of the assassination of former Lebanese prime minister Rafik Hariri. U.S. ambassador to the U.N., Susan Rice, carried the baton further yesterday. Rice singled out Syria, declaring that it has “displayed flagrant disregard for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity, and political independence of Lebanon under the sole and exclusive authority of the Lebanese government.” Although it is too early to tell, these strong words may signal the beginning of a more confrontational Syria policy.

Instead of signaling an interest in reconciliation with the West, Damascus has pursued even greater cooperation with both Hezbollah and Iran. And although many on Capitol Hill have pointed to Syria’s provocations and cried foul, the Obama administration has continued to push engagement as its policy, leading lawmakers to delay the confirmation of Robert Ford, the proposed ambassador to Syria.

Yeah, but.... If what really bothers Crowley and Rice - and presumably their bosses in Foggy bottom and the White House - is that Assad is cozying up to Ahmadinejad, why does the Obama administration continue to try to 'engage' Ahmadinejad through repeated efforts to re-start the P 5+1 talks, and continued declarations that the hand is still outstretched? Obviously, it's because the US fears that Ahmadinejad is crazy enough to go to war, while the Syrians are seemingly more 'rational.'

But what's really needed is stop the party that has the power to make war - Iran - not to shake one's finger at the party that's powerless - Syria. Obama is afraid to do what needs to be done. And America's enemies know it.

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 7:49 AM