Yoav Stern and Barak Ravid, Haaretz Correspondents, Haaretz Service, and News Agencies: Assad: We won't cut ties with Hezbollah, despite Israel talks
Talkback
Title:Bashar # 1 & Ivar # 2: Look at geography for clues
Name:Darth Zaider (Ed)
City: State: Canada
From a military point of view, Golan has lost its strategic dominance since it can be re-taken by Israel in one day if Syria places artillery on it.

More importantly, Golan is a strategic water collection area and the water source that needs to be addressed. The problem is that while water always runs downhill, or in the direction of Israel, a hostile Syria can really mess things up if they are in control of Golan and still bear Israel ill intent. Or simply out of incompetence, i.e. contamination. Parting with Golan may be impossible for Israel unless Syria is transformed into a progressive, thriving society where water contracts and profitable water supply business are preferable to thievery, thuggery and terrorism.

That is why peace with Syria with Golan being transferred over to Syria’s control may not be possible in the near future. But talking is better than shooting. Let them talk.