Subscribe to Print Edition | Fri., May 23, 2008 Iyyar 18, 5768 | | Israel Time: 03:29 (EST+7) web haaretz.com   Back to Homepage Rosner's Domain Diplomacy Defense Jewish World Opinion National Print Edition Advertising Books Peres Conference Business Real Estate Easy Start Travel Week's End Anglo File

Trio under inquiry By Aluf Benn What do the three leaders involved in the renewed talks between Israel and Syria have in common? All are under the shadow of investigations that may end their political careers. The suspicions against Prime Minister Ehud Olmert are puny comparted to those facing Syrian President Bashar Assad and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan: Assad is suspected of involvement in the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, and the High Court in Ankara is hearing a petition to disband Erdogan's party. A diplomatic breakthrough will doubtless ease the pressure on all three men. Olmert can enlist the media and the defense establishment to pressure law enforcement to leave him alone, just as they left Ariel Sharon alone during the disengagement. Assad will enjoy a period of international grace after years of isolation. Erdogan can show that his diplomatic moves have repositioned Turkey as a leader in the Middle East. Advertisement But it would be a mistake to see the Israeli-Syrian talks after as merely a response to the distress of Olmert, Assad and Erdogan. Israel wants to destabilize the "rocket coalition" of Iran, Syria, Hezbollah and Hamas. Israel will be deciding in the coming months whether to bomb the Iranian nuclear facility or invade the Gaza Strip. In both cases it would be better for Israel if Syria does not intervene on behalf of its allies. A Syrian turn toward peace might also nudge Hamas toward a cease-fire with Israel in the South and deny Hezbollah a strategic partner. That might obviate the need to attack Gaza and make it easier for Olmert to order Israel Air Force Commander Major General Ido Nehushtan to set out for Natanz and Arak. The Syrians, for their part, want to take control in Lebanon, taking advantage of the waning international stature of President George Bush. They would prefer Israel not bother them and their Hezbollah allies, and neutralize possible American intervention to shore up Fouad Siniora's tottering government in Beirut. Olmert and Assad have shown that they can take great risks, Olmert in getting out of Lebanon and bombing the reactor in Syria and Assad in building the reactor, standing up to America and collaborating with Hezbollah. That does not mean they will be able to agree on a peace deal involving the Golan Heights. But while the political obstacles to an agreement are formidable, all involved clearly have an interest in the talks. Bookmark to del.icio.us   Say what you want French court: Claim that Al-Dura tape doctored isn`t libelous. Peace in our time Olmert: Peace talks with Syria are a 'national duty'.

Read & React Poll: More Israelis against returning Golan than dividing Jerusalem Responses: 166 Olmert to Haaretz: Syria contacts are 'historic breakthrough' Responses: 71 Editorial: Spin or no spin, Olmert must continue Syria talks Responses: 52 Shmuel Rosner: Will Bush attack Iran or won't he? Responses: 55 Suicide bomber blows up truck at Gaza crossing Responses: 128 More Headlines 01:54 West backs Lebanese government's capitulation to Hezbollah 03:09 Olmert questioning Friday to focus on Messer's testimony 01:35 Israeli Arab driver critically hurt by guard at W. Bank settlement 01:50 Obama promises 'unshakable commitment' to Israel if elected president 20:54 Sources: Israel never pledged full withdrawal from Golan 23:41 McCain rejects pastor's support after 'God sent Hitler' comment 02:19 Blast at Erez crossing thought to be part of botched abduction bid 00:59 Pelosi denies Olmert proposed U.S. naval blockade against Iran 22:57 Argentine prosecutor: Arrest Menem for obstructing Jewish center bomb probe 00:10 Hamas: No truce unless Israel lifts siege of Gaza Strip Previous Editions Select Day 22 may 21 may 20 may 19 may 18 may 16 may 15 may 14 may 13 may 12 may 11 may 09 may

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