| In Israel, America has managed to find and support the only nation in the region that is actively anti-peace, and who returns absolutely nothing. Syria has more to offer America than any other nation in the region. Syria supports Hizbollah and Hamas. Syria acts as a "safe haven" for militants. Syria borders Lebanon and has much influence on Lebanese politics. Syria borders Iraq and can have a great effect on Iraqs future. Syria borders on Israel and can act as a staging area for an Iranian presence. By making a true friend of Syria, Obama can put all of these things on the table and perhaps negate them. All it would take is the return of the Golan and a few billions a year in aid. For Obama, this is the bargain of the century. The current investment in Israel has returned only thirty years of settlement expansion and failed peace efforts. It has raised a generation of Israelis who feel entitled to American aid and who balk at American influence. |
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