Syria: We're ready for peace, but also for war

Is syria wants peace she should stop supporting terrorists and seek a true peace w/ her superior, Israel. Wont happen due to muslim ego and arrogance.

Syria may have been a sovereign nation before Israel became a sovereign nation. However, Syria attacked Israel in 1948, and captured Israeli sovereign territory, then attacked Israel again in 1967. You do understand how linear time works, don't you?

Mark Lincoln is a Jill of all Trades and a Master of None. I don't he has been right about anything. All Israelis want peace, if Mark ever bothered to go there he would know that.

'delusional' in expecting the state founded in the name of ALL Jewish folk (including myself) to adhere to the laws it obliged itself to? How strange that you should think so. Care to explain why? (sans silly little insults and non-sense) thx

It does not matter what Syria wants. The government of Israel wants a war with ANYONE. And that it will achieve. No matter what Syria wants.

Mark: There was a time when your 20 or 30 pseudo-professorial remarks per day reflected a person who desperatively sought attention by pretending to be an expert on everything from politics to aerospace engineering to nuclear physics. But more recently, your 20 to 30 daily postings are all essentially the same old boring rant which can be summarized as follows: - The Israeli people don't want peace. - Israel's leaders don't want peace. - Israel's biggest fear is peace. My questions to you are these? Does it really take 20-30 postings per day, 7 days a week, to make your point? Has your obsessive/compulsive hatred of Israel become so advanced that you've joined the delusional ranks of Linthwaite, Durson, CJ, et. al?

just like their coward brothers start the war by targetting Israeli civillians then cry victim

It was very clearly reported in Haaretz and other newspapers that Assad and his foreign minister threatened to attack Israeli cities. He made it clear that he is planning to do this regardless of whether Lebanon or Syria is the first country to begin a war with Israel. Did you really fail to notice this important news item or are you a propagandist who learned everything he knows about honesty from hearsay? Don't bother to answer, it makes no difference one way or the other.

..that's why you shouldn't play your silly word-games and your ludicrous Jew/Israel/Jew switcheroo. SDHD: "Did Israel gain credibility when it withdrew from Gaza only to suffer increased rocket attacks?" WITHDREW from Gaza? The IDF didn't WITHDRAW from Gaza, SDHD, and if you read the Disengagment Plan you'll see that Sharon from *very* careful not to make that claim. It said that the SETTLERS were to be withdrawn, but it was careful to say only that the IDF was to be "deployed" to the border. That makes a very big difference, and it makes your sentence just one more example of ignorant SDHD nonsense.

SDHD: "Syria acquired Israeli sovereign territory first, dimwit." Where, exactly, SDHD? Regardless, the "two wrongs make a right" argument has no logic; if it was illegal for any arab country to acquire territory by force in 1948 then it was equally illegal for any jewish state to acquire territory by force in 1967.

I dont think a diplomatic FM is required in dealing with 'Axis of evil' countries like Syria. It was Syria who started boasting about "taking what belongs to Syria even with force". He is bragging because he has the support of Hizbullah but he does not know that Syria will be the greater loser if they initiate a war because it will start from the Lebanese / Syrian border and there will be no letoff until the campaign gets completed this time....Hizbullah or no hizbullah nor Iran and will be a major one without accepting a ceasefire. Think twice

"prepared to defend itself", while Syria is preparing for an offensive campaign. The truth shines, always has.

your enemies even closer. Arab States need help wooing Syria back from the dark side. What I find strangest is Mitchell doing the appointment and not Clinton. I think she opposes it. Mitchell is an abject failure in the ME. It won't last long, Never has because of the asinine demands coming out of Damascus via Iran. Obama's foreign policy is an absolute failure.

Is it even possible,the worlds top peace emissaries,are completely unaware of this.

the underpinnings out of the RoR campaign for the Pals. Good job!!

Syria captured sovereign Israeli territory in 1948 and attacked Israel again in 1967. Quit pretending Israel was the aggressor who captured someone else's sovereign territory first, dumdum. "UH? If they`re refugees, they have RoR just like the rest of humanity. " Then maybe you ought to quit bellyaching about Jews living in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, dumdum.

cj your ability to argue yourself into a corner is overwhelming ! the sovereign authority for syria and israel derives from the 1920 san remo conference FOR BOTH . the de jure legality for both lands is indivisible and israels lands are those of the 1922 mandate based on san remo ! THEY HAVE NEVER BEEN ALTERED BY ANY DE JURE AUTHORITY 1

You keep yammering that only Israel captured sovereign territory, but Syria captured sovereign Israeli territory in 1948, then attacked Israel again 19 years later. Anyone home on your planet? Me: "Jews were only absent for 19 years. It was illegal for them to reclaim their properties?" dumdum: "UH? If they`re refugees, they have RoR just like the rest of humanity. " UH is right, coming from you. If that's your perspective, you should quit bellyaching about Jews moving back onto the lands they were cleansed from in the first place.

the grave issue in the middle east is the rogue terror state of iran which stokes the flames of war and has been doing so for quite some time. they have delivered more missiles to syria and the other two proxies-hezbollah and hamas. these three proxies have tens of thousands of various missiles aimed at israel, including her population centers. hence, lieberman is only responding to these warlike acts emanating from the iran/syria/hezbollah axis.

".. it IS Israel who has illegally acquired SOVEREIGN Syrian territory." Syria acquired Israeli sovereign territory first, dimwit.

"Of course you always do. You must in order to justify your stance....Clue...ISRAEL is the party who has illegally acquired SOVEREIGN Syrian territory." In 1948, Syria acquired Israeli territory FIRST and attacked again 19 years later. Why don't you study a bit more before you open your ignorant yap. Syria took Israeli land which was adjacent to the Kineret, ignorant one.

it would seem the same planet the US Gov is on. At least we recognize there is an existential problem with weapons delivery to Syria even if you don't. 2+2 is still 4 even though you wish it were 5. In his own coarse way, Lieberman is right.

assad has nothing but contempt for everyone. he thinks that his throne is solid--solid gold. such hubris can lead only to mistakes. such hubris cannot lead to peace. just imagine. he is getting an american ambassador. yet in the interview in the new yorker he calls america weak. such open disrespect from a third rate dictator is very revealing.

.. it IS Israel who has illegally acquired SOVEREIGN Syrian territory. Wear your shoes backwards too do you?

"The Foreign Minister and his gang of buddies seem determined to destroy what little credibility Israel has left." Did Israel gain credibility when it withdrew from Gaza only to suffer increased rocket attacks? Just because so many dimwits don't lend Israel credibility doesn't mean it has so little. It only means you dimwits remain uncontrollably bigoted.

"Outside Israel, he is seen as an ignorant loose cannon of an unpleasant racial hue and all diplomatic doors close." Missed the praise he received from Russia recently, did you? Cummings, didn't your mommy ever teach you that it's better to be HONEST?

r.cummings hates him ! the anti israel world have proven for 62 years diplomacy doesnt work. leiberman does say what he means and means what he says !

may understand. Syria must understand total devastation and defeat , otherwise Israel is just setting herself up for another and another war. Wars are not meant to be fought with 'limited objectives' for countries to be ' taught a lesson'. Syria's capacity to wage war must be totally eliminated. Their present government must be eliminated. War can't be fought in half-measures. Syria is a threat that must be dealt with in a decisive manner. Deal Syria total defeat or shut up !

1) Syria launches an attack against Israel. 2) Syria launches rockets into Israel during the war. 3) Hamas and Hezbollah increase rocket attacks against Israel. 4) Israel advances on all fronts, pushing attacker increasingly further back. 5) The attackers run crying to the UN about Israel aggression. 6) The UN puts pressure on Israel to withdraw. It's the usual crap.

Of course Israel can have as much in the way of military equipment that it wants, nuclear weapons etc etc etc. Yet Iran is not allowed to give Syria a few missiles based on 1950's technology from North Korea? Lieberman threatens Iran, Lebanon, Turkey, Syria and is persona non gratis in Egypt because of his threatening statements. Yet the Syrian Foreign Minister making it plain what Syria's war strategy is is not allowed? What planet you on?

Seems that Israel has the same stance. Doesn't Netanyahu state that Israel is ready for peace, but is prepared to defend itself? Seems to me Israel doesn't like the goy in the goyim repeating what it is told.

Syria must learn what it means to be at total war with Israel. Syria is already at war with Israel by proxy as they are openly supporting Hamas and Hezbullah and harboring their leaders. Syria has never faired well in wars with Israel. They lose their air force, most of their tanks and their soldiers turn tail and run. They have yet to learn that they are a miserable little 3rd world country run by a petty dictator. Its a pity that their people must pay because of the delusions of grandeur of Assad.

Staying in power at any cost is Assad?s only strategic goal. While war is really bad for Assad and his Alawite cronies it is not as bad as peace with Israel. Syria is a very poor marginalized country making a meager living off its lopsided friendship with Iran. In case of war with Israel, Syria will be portrayed as a victim and other Arab countries and the EU/US may actually provide economic help to re-build it after the thrashing Syria stands to receive from Israel in case of hostilities. On the other hand, Syria surely stands to loose Iran?s continued economic and military help in case it makes peace with Israel on which it relies for the country's daily needs. If that were to happen, Assad and his henchmen would be forced to flee the country. So, the only practical course is doing nothing.

No one can prepare to make war and peace in the same time.

No one can prepare to make war and peace in the same time.

Israeli real estate is directionally proportional having more peace . Why can't Arabs supply their own real estate and territory to their own people. Why does it have to be pared from Israel's tiny size ?

Of course not ! So how can you say Golan's return to Syria will help Israel's future ? Is Gaza being used as a platform for terrorism? Of course! Where have you been ?

never return high ground to your enemy. i wouldnt trust them !

All the posters here believe that real estate is the path to peace and security; but it's not. Fixing the problems of the past according to internationsl law and world's perception is very important. Returning the Golan and a Treaty with Syria will provide many benefits. Negotiatyions continued until December '08 just before the Operation Cast Lead. The last issue is returning the Golan. Israel Stop procrastinating.

Iran is airlifting missiles and other weaponry to Syria. They are the ones escalatng the issue, not Lieberman. They are threatening to attack and destroy Israeli cities, not Lieberman. The airlifts to Syria are a provocation to incite. Why do you think the US has upped their presence in the Gulf? It sure isn't because of Lieberman. Iran's regime is in a state of panic now. They will do anything to stop their downward spiral. Pay attention and expand your view.

either as a peaceful tourist with a Syrian visa, or as a conqueror on a tank.

can be taken out with pre-emptive and decisive strike(s). Only then, will Lebanon come to the peace table with whatever pols they can cobble together at that time.

Lieberman has the right to broadcast opinions as long as he knows the risks. That is his prerogative and whether or not they are policy remains to be seen. Lieberman is 100% correct in his assessment of Assad. Assad is sort of at a crossroads as he finds himself catering to too many factions and doesn't have any results until the Golan is back in Syria's fold and he has Syrian and Iranian forces standing on Israel's border.

Clue ..... it ISN'T Syria or any other Arab state or entity. Syria actually has the right to declare war on Israel in order to get their Sovereign territory back. They have the right to attack any armed Israeli in any Israeli city, town or territory in order to re-claim their Sovereign territory. They certainly have the right to attack any armed Israeli illegally in any Sovereign Syrian territory currently occupied by Israel. ...and if 1400 or so Israeli civilians are collateral, so be it. Best Israel withdraw to it's own Sovereign boundaries for once, instead of putting Israeli's in danger, no?

Asssad is just gambling that America will support and cajole Israel into ceding the strategically located Golan heights without having to fire a shot. Assad enjoys being Syria's president and another armed conflict with Israel will be his last. So, the takewaway is that Assad is desperately bluffing to bolster his standing with his fanatical and delusional allies. Right now, he's perceived as not tough enough with Israel by Tehran and may be replaced by them sooner rather than later.

I think that some of those people in Israel Government are crazy or are just playing politic. How many countries Israel is going to fight at the same time, they have problem with Iran, Syria and lately they are starting problen with Turkey a country that had a good relationo with Israel. The United States is not a position to fight for them we have so many problem in this country Health Care,jobs and the best thing the Israel Government should do negociate with the Palestinians and both of them have to give something. Most of those trouble makers in Israel are not from the Midle East I guess they are coming from some where in Europe. Ideassoul

"I think that in the Middle East, we cannot let grave things go without a response." - Avigdor Liberman, Minister of National Debasement I think Lieberman continues to disgrace and bring ignominy upon Israel. No self-respecting nation would allow such a motor-mouthed malefactor to represent it. That Lieberman has not been requested to resign is a sign of just how Bibi Netanyahu puts his well-being before his nations future fortunes.

Assad never received a spanking since he became president if Syria. Unless you count the slapping he got from the Lebanese when they kicked him out of Lebanon along with his troops. But Israel needs to give him a good spanking him and Hizballa and strengthen the pro-western elements in Lebanon in hopes of a peace deal with Lebanon.

We should have more government officials like Lieberman!! AM YISRAEL CHAI!!

are interpreted as warmongering, it's clear who the warmongerers are. "Israelis understood Mr. Barak?s remark as a plea for the Israeli government to start new peace negotiations with Syria, but the Syrians apparently interpreted it as warmongering."

.Mark Lincoln almost always gets his ideas backwards and far from the truth. First, he said the USS Nimitz was in the area of Iran a few days ago-actually, it was ported in Thailand along with a fully-loaded amphibious assault ship and other naval ships. Also, Syria and Assad's days are numbered if he attacks Israel and Mark Lincoln is smart enough to know it if he does not succumb to his delusions. There's no way any nation can unseat the Jews from their homeland,Israel. Only fearful politicians deluded by fear itlself will help the terrorists gain more real estate.

In 1963 Ho Chi Minh was cresponding with south Vietnamese president Ngo Dinh Diem, in hopes of negociating peace, Kennedy had him assasinated, The US was determined to go to war against North Vietnam. HOWD THAT TURN OUT??????

by threatening and scaring Israel and America's frightened leadership into handing over the Golan Heights and West Bank thereby providing Israel's enemies with new platforms for terrorism. Syria is just talking tough and will never win a war against Israel. Syria cannot win a war with Israel even with Russia' help. Miscalculations and fear help start wars.

Fortuna, After 62 years of the same, Israel is choosing words that the *p*alestinians can understand. Words that are straight, realistic and true. Israel tried the diplomatic path for too long. This is why Israel,s FM is the best choice I believe for Israel. Being so intelligent, I thought that you would have come to the same conclusion as mine.

Are you really worried about a bloody dictator being humiliated? I don't think it is productive humiliating him, but on the other hand I don't think it's wrong and that is exactly what he does in his official press, his privat (and no free press there) press. But Israel shouldn't behave like an arab dictatorship. Let the dictator bark. Humans don't bark back at dogs.

His words and actions seem to be completely uncalculated and based only on his own ego and hubris. What possible purpose could it serve to threaten and humilate foreign leaders in such a way? If he is convicted of corruption, former UN delegate from the the Bush administration John Bolton might take the job. He could be a much more conciliatory figure.

Ho Chi Minh wanted to negotiate according to Bernard Fall when the French arrived there was a long table on it a ice bucket full of ice and a bottle of good champagne, indicating Minh wanted peace. The French demanded he turn over the Japanese officers that were helping train his men how to use Japanese weapons so they could be tried as WW2 war criminals.Ho Chi Minh said these are our friends and I canot betray they. Seven years later the French left after the defeat of the French paratroopers at Dien Bien Phu. Personaly I don't see much chance for peace as long as Bibi and his foriegn minister are in charge. Mayby They'll surprise me but I doubt it.

Enough Said

Now a days our diplomacy is up side down, and the world communities are mostly unfriendly with us with antisemitism rampant.

The actual one remains UNdiplomatic, and PITA.

Assad invested in Hizballah and Hamas to create pressure on the Israeli flanks, North and South. Israel with cast lead took him to task. Assad still believes that his investment will pay off, and Liberman just made it clear to him that the next time is not the South, or the North, The war by proxy has come to an end. Damascus knows what Liberman is saying, peace will be much more convinient for the Assad family.

and please STOP talking in public. You are not afraid of anyone, you are not working for the media or public opinion. BUT you are working for Israel and her people. Please do NOT bring us into a war that ONLY YOU want to fight. We have not problem fighting those who are wrong and those who want to destroy us. BUT we do NOT want to be the ones to start this violence. Guess who suffer in the war - EVERYONE on BOTH SIDES! So PLEASE... NO MORE SPEECHES. THANKS!

i won't enumerate all the crimes that this regime has done in lebanon and in his own country every body know !

Someone has to stand up to this clown Assad and show him a mirror, so he can see himself for what he actually is, not for what he would like to be. Any inflammatory statement from him should be answered with that same bluntness. Same should be done with Ahmadinejad, Mashaal, Nasrallah and the rest of the "gang". Go Liberman! Tell it as it is! Liberman for Prime Minister!

Misarah, please tell us what you think Assad's, Fatah's and Hamas's definitions are of "real peace." Do you think that any of them include leaving Israel in total peace as a Jewish state, even within the 1948(!) boundaries? If you do, please persuade why that is so.

The casus belli about the anticraft to hizb that it ultimate be breach of the balance of powers, lets go to war.

Who exactly is the Israeli FM and other members of the government referring to when they seem rash? They are not talking about the leaders of the civilized, democratic world; they are referring to third world thugs like Assad, Erdogan and Ahmeni-whats-his-name - you know, the 'leaders' who are less concerned about their own backward citizens than they are about what's going on in Israel. BTW, lets talk realistically; if Assad or any other dictator could wage war on Israel and win, they would have done so years ago - they know the truth, don't they?

Looking at Syria's track record, who has started wars in Israel's past? Personally, I have no connection with Jews or Israel, looking at Lieberman's comments cuts out the BS diplomatic talks that do not seem to get anywhere with the arabs, look at the Shalit talks. I find the world view silence of what radical Islam is doing elsewhere in the world AND to the Hamas in Gaza evil, the so called left are primarily to blame for due to their appeasement.

All countries are this way and must be so if they are to be responsible. In today's world it is prudent even if you want peace with all your heart.

He could have had any portfolio. But he couldn't possibly hold the one of Israels' top diplomat. Israel needs good, mature, sophisticated diplomacy so much. And yet you chose Israel's greatest piromaniac, with the sking of a rhinocerus as Israel's diplomat in chief. Are you nuts? What were you thinking of when you made this decision? Thinking of dismissing him from the job? That's the best thing you would have done so far during this tenure.

We're ready for peace and also war???? Talk about a passive aggressive statement, only from Arab "leadership"!

He talks and acts as if he's Il Duce Mussolini or Milosevic, with lots of sword-rattling and big threats. Coming from someone of substance with some military and foreign experience, it might have some impact. From this minor racist politician, it is just hot air for the domestic audience. He is your basic ethnic nationalist cheerleader, which is why the Israeli right and ignorant love him so much, as with all populist demagogues. Outside Israel, he is seen as an ignorant loose cannon of an unpleasant racial hue and all diplomatic doors close. Yep, he sure is the right man to represent Israel, he shows the world its true face. He any military or foreign experience at all, or is he just a loud-mouthed bouncer in a suit?

A war with Syria means opening the war on many fronts, some u probably dont even expect. It's gonna bring destruction to all parties involved. Besides, what The Syrian president said was that they were ready for peace 1st and war as a final option. Come on people, it's time for a solution on the ground, a 2-state solution would at least show the world that Israel is doing its part towards real peace in the region.

Can`t she just remain shtum and stop harming us...?

Iranian and military sources report the war threats from Damascus this week were backed by massive Iranian airlifts for boosting Syria's missile arsenal. Fresh supplies also reached the Lebanese Hizballah and Hamas in Gaza. Wednesday, Feb. 3, Syrian president Bashar Assad accused Israel of seeking war, while his foreign minister Walid Moallem boasted: "You know that war at this time will come to your cities." They spoke after taking delivery of 100 new medium-range surface-to-surface missiles from Iran in January. Moallem's threat was comprehensive: ??.Syria calls on Israel to halt directing threats once against Gaza, another against South Lebanon, then Iran and now Syria.? His message that all four extremist allies had formed a mutual defense pact against Israel raised temperatures to a dangerous level in the region. Syria will not stand by idly next time round if Israel goes to war against Iran's nuclear program or an aggressive Hizballah or Hamas, but go for Israel's cities. http://www.debka.com/article/8589/

lieberman understood better what to o to get his target:his party becoming the party with the majority in Knesset and he be the prime minister.For this the only thing he have to do is to be :insolent,racist,brazen,stupid,arrogant and all these are in his natural being and of his party and its are the qualities the people here appreciate.Others politicians in Israel are not different from lieberman but they still are concerned with the impressions these make abroad,especially in US as if US and the "free world"will diminish ever its support for Israel no matter what she doing or saying.

There is presently a reason for Israel to push Middle East to war whether right or wrong l have no idea. Fear, likely and God forbid. Israel has no idea how much is in the underground of Gaza, l guess if they knew they would not be that hyper. It is common for a hunter to go around hitting surprises to try and uncover trouble that may lead to an eventuality that may uncover the imagined. All the same the angry must be stopped regardless of all the evidence that my be leading to the act. God only knows whether by his stupor Sadam brought death to himself and his sons or rightfully he deserved he deserved it. Back to the Bible, when God wanted to kill Ahab for the evil he had done, an evil spirit volunteered to do the job and was allowed, how he did it read 1 Kings 22:21?.. The spiritual war described by Paul in Ephesians 6:12 sits on the world like a cloud. We have to be wise lest we fall short of our neighbor in Spiritual knowledge and be the ones to fall for it is not by our righteousness that we shall win but by relativity if not in Christ see Deuteronomy 9:6. Stay close to the LORD and fear evil which may tip the scale the other way. To the wise, when war comes both sides suffer loss. If we can work on peace as hard as we innovate knew methods of destruction soon we would be better off and be close to God?s plan for us Jeremiah 29:11??Anger is the worst enemy for peace we need to avoid war cries and replace with peace cries to attract favor. Currently Middle East is too dry for a spark.

israelis: "they are like children fighting with each other." peace: "you start with the land, you do not start with peace." "if they say you can have the entire golan back, we will have a peace treaty. but they cannot expect me to give them the peace they expect." europe: "the europeans are like the postman." iran: "they can make problems to the americans more than the other way around." lebanon: "the civil war in lebanon could start in days." american: "now the problem is that the united power states is weaker....if you have weaker united states, it is not good for the balance of the world." (interview with assad in the new yorker)

..."The mentality of wars dominates Israel", said the "journalist" working for the state newspaper of an arab dictatorship... The dictator that gave this country to his son killed 20,000 dissidents in one week. In Turkey they have discovered a 16 years old girld buried alive for talking to boys. Half the murders in that country are "honour killings", and Turkey is more western style, more civilized than arab Syria. How many sisters and daughters are killed in Syria by their own brothers or fathers? Arabs have to make peace with themselves first.

and if you don't agree, you can move until Israel has a coward instead. Many Christian nations you can run to. As for Israel, LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT. Your posts seem to show nothing but hatred for your country. A true pity, they've given you a home and you spit on her leaders. ( much the opposite of what Jesus said, to pray for your leaders) BTW, there will never be a 'Christian' leader of Israel, just in case you think otherwise. Rome on the other hand, will welcome you and you can be content to live w/ Israel's enemies, just like yourself.

Syria or Israel? Syrian foreign minister threats Israel with war not our Foreign Minister. Our Foreign Minister replies the threats. Twist everything upside down. How can Isreals credibility is destroyed by replying the war threat? You don't want peace but surrender. Israel is not going to surrender to this threats. Syria every 20 years threats Israel with war, and made war. We are use to it. Who are you fooling? At least you're not reading the news. Aby

So will Lieberman and Assad just STFU????

BETTER YOU THAN OLMERT'S CREW OF COWARDS.

And he makes US proud that his truth is our truth.

what a surprise. Thank Gd for Israel.

Otherwise you are finished. Well done Liberman!

The FM was right to warn the Syrian dictator that he will be committing suicide if he attacks Israel again. Unfortunately the comments attributed to Ehud Barak appear to have given the impression that Syria can target Israeli cities and then go back to peace negotiations. It was necessary to make it clear that things do not work like that.

seriously, WTF?, when did bashar threaten israel first lately?. what planet are you from?.

Israel has defined its view on diplomacy by putting this man in charge of relation-building. If it wasn.t so dangerous it would be funny.

Lieberman needs psychiatric counselling, just like all of the other hate-mongers. Lieberman just shows the corruption in our system. A former bar bouncer, meets the right people, is slick and sides himself with the incoming ruling right-winged HATE people. Is it the economics? Perpentual war.... what would happen to the thousands employed in security is peace became the norm here.. Can't let that happen!!

...corner fighting. Like a true boxer in the ring. Unlike many others that either sit there cowering or throw in the towel. Syria has spoken.! Syria has threatened.! Syria arms Hezbollah.! The Alawite Clan is by far a minority.! Holding onto power. Maybe they need to show the people of Syria that they are in charge. Could well be for domestic consumption. However FM Lieberman is no patsy. He will charge into the ring no matter what who or what he faces as an adversary. Strange times, maketh strange diplomacy. Good day.

It started as a mildly entertaining experiment....It became less 'cute' when his presence was criticized by the French President...It escalated to an implied problem when the joke about "trading Liebermans" came from a bi-lateral meeting between America and Israel....Now...with this most recent 'act', the darkness has fully descended. It can now be stated that Avigdor Lieberman is a 'Clear and Present Danger' to the Nat'l Security interests of--- the United States of America. Bibi can no longer justify this guy.

Why the deference? When was this dictator elected president? Why not "dictator Assad"?

Why is he making such a determined effort to remain in the headlines every single day?... Is it his litigations on the ever-nearing horizon?...

Lieberman is right. Why, because he is not a spineless leftist Israeli.Israel needs more Liebermans.

The war of words is to hide the truth that Syria and Israel are very close to sign a peace deal where the Golan will be returned by Natanyau. So to sale the idea to Israel the threat level will be risen to cause fear among the people of both side!

little assad is an irresponsable idiot.His father learned is lessons fropm 1967 and 1973 and at least kept quiet...Now little assad is under the wings of iran,guesses he's a big boy and barking into the night...Maybe this time Israel demolishes damascus

I do not think he said what he said because the "love" for Israel, rather it was his hate to others.

Ideology is one thing, incompetence is another. I could almost accept lieberman's right wing views if he at least showed some understanding of his job, but he clearly has no grasp of how his words as foreign minister can get civilians and soldiers killed.

Yet Israel is allowed to threaten it's neighbours without a response. This time by the Syrian Foreign Minister? Double standards Lieberman is allowed to threaten Israel's neighbours or Iran and they are not allowed to respond?

If Assad has intentions of attacking Israel then nothing Lieberman says is going to stop Assad from doing that. Let Syria blab and threaten. If as you say you can easily repel Syria then really no reason to sink to his level. Israel knows their 1st real war loss is their last. Israel please be safe.

Avigdor Liberman, I fully support your comments.

Since when does a Foreign Minister of ANY country get to say he doesn't give a damn about other people's opinions? That's his JOB is to manage other people's opinions of Israel. No wonder he is a failure! All the time that he's been in charge of Israel's relations with Foreign nations, he hasn't even tried to care what anyone thinks.

Comments 1-3 from Chris Lincoln and Mark Linthwaite (or is it the other way round?) strain the limits of credibility and beyond with their fancy theories to obscure the obvious. The Israeli Foreign Minister was responding to a Syrian threat to attack Israeli cities. IF the Syrian dictator tries to carry out this threat the Israeli Defence Forces will end the Syrian dictatorship. If the Syrian dictator wishes to go on sitting on his throne he will be wise to enter peace talks without preconditions. Talkbackers Mark Lincoln and Chris Linthwaite will miss out on the war they were looking forward to but the Syrian people will be relieved.

and his yesmen.I'm sure that even Assad understood the price to pay if he decides to attack Israel. I like this Moldovian disco bouncer who is not scared to call a spade a spade. Bravo Avigdor!

The syrians can only flex muscles in Lebanon...the Lebanese are the ones who suffer every time Syria has a headache. I wish Israel will spank Assad soon and shut him the hell up. DO it for the sake of the Lebanese. The majority of the Lebanese would love to see Syria humiliated.

Fascist dictators (even the left would understand that I mean Assad) should be always rebuffed harshly, be it politically correct or not

Netanyahu gave Lieberman the position of Foreign Minister because he wanted his pary's vote i the Knesset. netanyahu doesn't care about Israel's image abroad. All Netanyahu cares about is that his name is on the door of the Prime Minister's Office.

at kickstarting negotiations between Syria and Israel is attempting to sabotage them by threatening war. He is playing to the illegal settlers of occupied territory who would have to move back to Israel when a final status agreement is signed. He is simply playing to his core vote.

The Foreign Minister and his gang of buddies seem determined to destroy what little credibility Israel has left. Too bad that such a thuggish individual is allowed to defame the country by his malevolent and rash utterances and actions.