U.S. envoy denies pressure on Israel not to engage in talks with Syria

in response to your peaceful strategy and desire for the great peace between syria & Israel, why do you have great problems with Lebanon occupying it for 30 years and killing its MPs and as to Iraq most mujahdeen are smuggled from the syrian borders. bear in mind these are arab nations and you CANNOT maintain peace with how can we trust syria as a Jewish state

Israel should ask itself who is the bigger devil in the long term... USA or Syria? -I don't see why Israel should ask USA permission to exercise its independent foreign policy. Does USA ask Israel's permission on it's stupid policy in the Middle East? Hello who made Lebanon and Iraq worse? Israel is not an 'auxiliary' army of the USA. USA go fight your own war.

I'm afraid not in the forseeable future lol. Trust me many Syrians think like me, and even those who don't, it is only because of the brainwashing they receive from our dictatorship. It only takes a bit of freedom of thought and speech, and some education for everyone in both countries to realize that the only way out is peace. I find it very feasible that we as people of two nations live in absolute peace. Hopefully, although it doesn't seem to be soon at all, we will have a change of government which truly reflects the modern and moderate Syrian society which is prevalent in Syria, but silenced.

given to me; i'll concede with an apology... but honestly...the "large parts" that were purchased and subsequently taken away would have to be considerable for your claim to a viable one; considering the large tracts of land from which the palestinians were dispossessed in 1948 and again in 1967. and you're right; history didn't begin in 1948 or 1967...nor did it in 1894 or 1891. i'm aware of that history...it was the beginning of the european zionist movement's drive to re-establish the jewish homeland in the holy land. at first there were no objections by the "arabs"...it was only after they realized that something was amiss that they petitioned the sultan to put a stop to it... in a land where jew and muslim had coexisted and interacted in peace for countless centuries... it WAS the beginning of the middle-east conflict... i await your reference...

Hey John boy, Bad things are already happening and have been for the past 60 years (for Israel and the Pals) if you had of lived here rather than the clean and safe Oz then you would know this. If you could get past your blind bigotry you would see history a little clearer too. The Jews may well have been foisted onto the poor Pals as a European/American guilt trip. Fact is our parents were happy to get whatever they could get. They were happy to get even the smallest part of their ancestral homeland even without Jerusalem and Judea and Samaria as anything was better than nothing. The Arabs said famously NO! NO!NO! and attacked in 1948. We have been fighting for our survival ever since. The Pals and the rest of radical Islam will never accept us, as we are the ultimate Infidel. Read the Koran and you will see why these crazies will never accept us (our you) in their midst or as their neighbors. John boy come and live with the “Jews” for sometime before you rant further.

Dear Syrian Friend, Again, I agree with you on this point too, but unfortunately, I don’t think our side trusts your Dictator leader any more than they did his Father. Unfortunately for both sides too much water (or should I say blood) has flown under the bridge. Syria is now best friends with Iran and Iran will never (not in my lifetime anyway) accept the right of Israel to exist. What guarantee do we get from your leader that in the future after giving back this nice piece land buffer that it won’t be used to attack us as has happened several times in the recent past.?? Dear Syrian Friend, any chance of you ever becoming the “Leader” of Syria you sound like the kind of person one could trust?

is what you posted. You talk as though control can't be gained and lost depending on circumstances and that view is simply stupid. Follow Bush's own strategies, if I may loosely refer to them as such, it changes from day to day depending on how tight his conjones are being pressed in the wringer. AIPAC has no oil, Saudis do and I dare say Bandar Bush can and does exercise more control than AIPAC ever dreamed of. If the Saudis are cool and go along with the BS, then AIPAC can exercise more control on an issue. It appears you can't walk and chew gum. Save your confusion for your homies. Given your posts to me and other opponents of bad behavior and then subsequent posts to your homies saying the same thing the opponents are saying, the homies should be confused, if they are not. Keep on pushing em and never mind sending me BS. Regards. Ballistic.

I am so used to the rah rah crowd gnawing on me that it doesn't phase me one bit. Most of the gnawers are chief apologists for bad behavior by zionists. Every now and then Danite sends me a post saying I am this or that, however, if you read Danite's posts to his people, he clearly indicates the right minded view that the zionist gig is up, over and done. Then he writes me and other right minded posters juxtaposed views to what he posts to his homies. I think it is commonly called speaking with a "forked tongue". Danite can't reconcile the party line with his 'hey, the gig is over' views. I've seen only a few of your posts and enjoyed what I did read. Join us more often. Thanks for the post. Keep blogging. Regards. Ballistic.

Say, those unguided, out of control missiles do a lot of damage mate! In the meantime, well, just keep right on pushing the usual BS. Regards.

Large parts of the Golan were PURCHASED fair and square in 1894 (the same year as the Dreyfus affair began in France) by Baron Montefiore. They were settled by Jews, though many local Arabs opposed their arrival even then. This took place under Ottoman rule. But the discriminatory impulse of those Arabs was not the LAW. Some Arabs even petitioned the Sultan (in 1891) to prohibit Jews from settling there, but the Sultan denied their request and allowed Jews to settle in the Galilee and Golan. In 1948 Syria STOLE those lands from their legal Jewish owners. So when Israel retook them in 1967, it was redressing an injustice. Now you want to see that injustice as the baseline of normal? I don't think so. History didn't begin in 1967, or even in 1948.

If Syria's postion is that it refuses to reform internally as a condition for receiving the Golan, that would just be an opening negotiating position. (An opening position should be as strong as possible to leave room for negotiations, right?) Israel's position, then, should be that the only thing stopping Israel from considering changing the status of the Golan is Syria's untrustworthy, terrorist-supporting totalitarian government. (Assad lies like a rug. Like Saddam's PR director; "the Americans are NOT at the Baghdad airport"="we're not supporting Hizballah, or Fatah-al-Islam") It's time for Israel to float the idea to the Syrian people that to regain some sort of access to the Golan they must first implement a stable human rights regime, and that Assad's refusal to change puts HIS personal interests ahead of those of the Syrian people at large - and will deprive them of the opprtunity to return to the GH.

one of israel's biggest blunders was to allow the tentacles of greed to enter the golan heights. those settlements have been an obstacle to peace since their inception...and they will continue to be... because once tentacles take root...they're extremely hard to remove...and so is the case with the golan. as with all settlements fostered by its expansionism...now that it's faced with a need to make peace with its neighbors; israel is caught between a rock and a hard spot...and it lacks the leadership with the strength and will to say "enough!" and to undo the mistakes of its past. instead its "leaders" hem and haw and see and saw over issues that need to be resolved in order to secure israel's long term security. reality is...israel can see the handwriting on the wall...yet it tenaciously tries to hold onto what it knows its going to eventually lose. better to bite the bullet sooner than later; and stop expending lives and money trying to salvage what it's destined to lose.

Hello Buddy! How are you? I am sure Nez perce country must be beautiful this time of year?? Well Marc Israel is a client state!! We are lucky that it is a client of the US which has proven to be the best friend of the Jewish people since the Persians!!! It goes to show when the President is really serious about something Israel cant ignore it.I hope that a future administration will as a friend and a brother give the israeli govt a little tour of reality and then give the arabs the same.I hope the US will use its weight to "impose" a solution.I have full trust that the US will do right by israel. The US will not suddenly betray Israel, the US has rarely if ever betrayed a friend. Regards marc

the use of Terror to force Israel to Syria wishes , US Statements of No objection to Syria call for talks are the cause of Lebanon recents terror incidents as a signal to US that Syria may deliver also Lebanon at the table , Flagrant use of terror for Syria interests, to the detriment of Sderot and Lebs victims

CJK: "Iran pays for Syria`s weapons. Syria has no way to pay for expensive Russian weapons." Iran defrays some of the costs, but then it does so in order to get some of the weapons. Those weapons are then no longer available to Syria coz, of course, they are now in Iran. Syria has no way to pay? What, no Gross Domestic Product at all? No trade? No cash flow at all? I have no doubt that top of the line Russian weaponry is expensive. I also have no doubt that it is nowhere *near* as expensive as top of the range USA equipment. But Syria has to pay. If it were *given* its weapons then it'd have a massive airforce equipped with top-notch fighter-bombers - just like Some Other Nearby Countries We Could Both Name. It doesn't. It is getting itself much-cheaper but still-deadly AA missiles instead. Because it has to pay for them, Cipora.

Folks complain about your posts but they still "gnaw" (smile) on you. I read the blog and respond every now and then if the situation warrants it. I read all of your posts. Ignore what Mark, Danite, Kath and a host of other "gnawers" say, I hope you will keep blogging. Mark and Danite would have you believe you are confused. No, they are confused that you are not confused as a black woman. It bothers them when a poster won't accept spin and points it out. I, and probably many others, enjoy your posts and those of other "right minded" posters. Without opposing views, the blog would be a drag of the same ignorant, hard hearted folks complimenting each other's ignorance. Don't let them fool you, NOSIREEE, because YOU are not all confused. We need people to point out the baloney in plain English, repeated if necessary for the brainwashed folks, and sadly there are many. Keep blogging, you and others. Lots of people need to stand with the Palestinians. Enough already!

Maybe he is really Lord Voldemort and can impose an imperious curse. I cannot say why.

Hello Cipora, The more I see of Bush's policies, the more I feel in the middle of a 50s propaganda film. I fear our two countries have been damaged so much in the past few years that it may take a decade to recover. I don't know what Israelis and Syrians should do, but I know that whatever demands are made by my current government are not in the interest of those who live in the ME. Before Bush, there was no al Qaida in the Territories, or Lebanon or even in Iraq. They were limited to Somalia and Afghanistan. My son was supposed to be sent to Bahrain, but after a week in Kuwait, was sent back into Iraq. Our government has also recently limited communications with home for our troops there. I try not to let my imagination run away.

Iran pays for Syria's weapons. Syria has no way to pay for expensive Russian weapons.

It was an attempt at humour on your part, no? Damn amusing, either way, of course! Hahahaha! Syria would be nothing without the weapons supplied by the Russians!!! Man, I'm gonna be laughing about THAT statement all day long. After all, Syria has to PAY for its weapons. Certain Other Countries get *given* theirs.

Hello Smadar, Bush learns, but too slowly. His time is running out fast. I hope something starts moving with Syria. Am willing to wait for the fall of Olmert first. He is another one whose time is almost over.

You probably really can't tell the difference between popular and fanatic movements. You have an Al Quaida group in Tripoli, looking to rebuild an ancient caliphate, of probably 200 members and probably less than 500 supporters. A fringe group with no public backing. Then you have Hezbollah, a Shiite group that has the backing of 40% of the Lebanese. It is like comparing Saddam to Al Quaeda. Now Hezbollah to Al Quaeda, who's next, the Lebanese Army? You probably really mean the things you say, but, unfortunately, you should not make statements about the Middle East with any conviction until you get better educated regarding the area. Good day.

I have never agreed with you more. It is good to hear this from you because I know that you would not take this position lightly. I hope that your children are well. Regards, Cipora

"You views are simply incoherent." - Danite to Ballistic Balllistic is what surface to air missile go after they lose guidance. In the case of Ballistic, there never was any guidance in the first place. Just out of control ranting and raving.

"Danite - what is that gibberish?" - Ballistic Gibberish? That is the terminal velocity garbage you spew.

"Bush is about as lame as a duck can get." - Mark of Lewiston Not so lame that the dummycrats feel spry enough to clip his feathers. And, yes, the Bushiz treat Israel like a servile state. It acts like one, so why not?

And if their should be a change in the US policy away from this one would that mean AIPAC is now unified and back in control?? You see how you are standing on thin ice?? You cant just make up reality to fit your delusions as you go along.it simply is incoherent ballistic, it fails the western method of thought.In the Arab world yes, things can be whatever you want them to be, and one conspiarcy explainns the other but not in the west dear, not in the west.

Your analysis is very perceptive. You left out that behind the Syrians stand Iran and the Russians. Without their weapons, Syria would be nothing.

I guess you fail to understand changed circumstances, and circumstances can and do change overnight. New day, new reality. If you can't understand the concept of changed circumstances, what can I say. But you do understand them and I read them in your posts. America's influence has diminished and Zionists' influence has concomitantly diminished, courtesy Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, Afghanistan and zionists' BS. I can't do anything about your refusal to admit you lack world support and the ship is sinking like the Titanic. Dishonest? Me? No, I have not slurped and squatted on any body else's land and then tried to convince them somebody I knew owned it 3,000+ years ago; that is dishonesty. It is also naive. You know full well Israel won't survive without a change in course, so why waste time attempting to convince me and others otherwise. Neither of us are there. However, our taxes and troops are in the region. And, you still begged the question. Regards.

How are you, my friend. Based on the article, it appears that the Bush administration is treating Israel like a client state, like the Soviets treated Yugoslavia issuing rules and regulations for the conduct of Israeli foreign policy. Of course, I could be wrong, but maybeIsraeli foreign policy should be decided in Israel rather than in Washington. Bush is about as lame as a duck can get. He can prevent (and continues to) any success in American foreign policy, but Israel can afford to ignore him for 19 odd months. - To Israel's benefit.

consistent with those of us who've advocated dialogue with Syria regarding the Golan and making peace.

Syrians know that they cannot fight on all fronts. If Israel and Syria would achieve peace, the Syrians would most definitely re-occupy Lebanon. "Secured" Lebanon and peace with Israel would allow Syrians to extend its influence into Iraqi Anbar province. Syria and al-Queda - imposed "peace" in Anbar would allow to free the Syrians hands in order to destabalize Turkey's Kurdistan. And in all cases, Syria would continue brutal suppression of its own people. What a wonderful bunch of guys!

Yossi, the neighbors don't like you. I get the idea. They don't like you because they believe that your nation was foisted upon them by Europeans on a guilt-trip. But not so guilty that THEY wanted to make any sacrifices on your behalf. So they decided that the Palestinians would pay that cost for them. I get the idea. What YOU don't get is that while they don't like you, they have decided to face up to reality. From Egypt thru Jordan, up to Lebanon and into Syria you have states that *are* willing to live alongside you, so long as YOU guys STOP demanding that you get your own way on EVERYTHING. The longer you keep this intransigence up then the stronger grows the scourge of Islamic fundamentalism. Keep it up, and ALL those states are going to fall to the fundies, and then you WILL know trouble. Make the damn deals NOW, ya' idiots, coz if you don't then Bad Things Will Happen.

before the democrats take over next year and Israel loses its neocon allies. The democrats will push for a comprehensive settlement and on terms not nearly as favorable to Israel as the neocons.

I realize we all know exactly how N**IS do things and so the N**IS run Israel thus if the N**IS want to they will may return the Golen Heights it is THAT T H A T simple RIGHT ??? THANK YOU... M. Segal

Hi there; I can't see your name, however, I opened and read the second site, but could not open the first one. Could you give me a short what it says? OPEC cut off oil before. If circumstances are such that they do it again, the second article describes the absolute what will happen, horrid scenario. If zionists controlled the oil and they were displeased, they would most likely interrupt it. Thanks for the post. Regards.

It would be nice--but, unfortunately, if they get it back, they will only use it to continue to attack Israel in their plan to drive her into the sea. Every country has good and bad people. I know a Syrian doctor in the US who is a kind and brilliant man--if only they all were like him!

No matter who is running the US, the outcome in the ME will be the same. The bottom line will not change. As long as Israel exists, no matter how she does or does not defend herself, her opponents will not be satisfied, nor will they stop continually attacking until she is gone. Because she did poorly last year due to bad leadership, she is viewed by the enemy as weakened. However, she has the greatest General of all time on her side-the God of Abraham. His name is Jehovah, and He is not "AKA" Allah.

live in aworld where reality is what you make of it minute to minute.The irod clad grip on american foreign policy you claim the jews had, is now suddenly undone overnight?? What is your proof for internal dissention amoungst AIPAC and how it impacted this about face.ballistic your irrational thinking doesnt hold water, you have all the hallmarks of a paranoid who can tread water quickly when the theory is compromised but is incapable of doing the serious thinking needed before hand not to have tread water in the first place.You views are simply incoherent.

I doubt Syria would allow any deal on the Golan turn into a reason for internal reform.better to move the Jews out and establish an early warning station.I like the idea of the golan being an open space where israelis may come for the day without visas, but dealing with syria is like dealing with a slippery eel.Regards

that has been going on is up!! New reality. Family troubles among the homies (AIPAC et al) about which way to lean on our congressman. Have you been reading Haaretz? No, your argument simply begs the question. Just because something was and is the case does not mean it will always be the case. Besides, you know the gig is up. I read your posts to your homies, right minded ones I might add. Keep pushing em. Regards.

Yeah, right. Say, you told me about "cajones" and a spanish teacher says you know not what you are talking about, wrong word. Get educated. As for the rest of your blog, I guess you are so used to our people sacrificing to keep your arse afloat, you now feel a sense of entitlement. Why are american lives worth less than Israeli lives? Why can 3,500 of ours die behind BS and you whine when you lost 100 behind BS. People are blogging you telling you of a new reality and they are a small microcosm of folks here. But again, you don't have enough sense to come in out of the rain when storm clouds gather. Further, gigs always end at some point. Gee, and now you want to use illegals to fight and given them all citizenship on the US taxpayer dime, my aren't you generous as long as it doesn't cost you anything. Half of them won't make it back alive. Where is your moral fiber mate? In your coffee? Why don't you get real?!!! You use people and them discard em, yup, that is you!

Thanks for correcting the term. Are you reading this Paul Harris???!!! I prefer to use a more common expression not suitable for blogs. Paul Harris wrote me and told me it was "cajones"; in our neighborhood we use the slang "Kahunas", a nonexistent, but well understand term. This is one small example of what happens when you follow behind Paul Harris, which is why you should not follow him if your life is at stake. Thanks so much again and I hope Paul Harris is READING!!! Say Paul, teach correctly or not at all. Regards.

YOU VOTED OUT WHOM KE WAR MONGERS ?? NOTHING HAS CHANGED BY YOUR VOTES . 300 MILLION PEOPLE AND YOU ARE SCROUNGING FOR TROOPS IN WW2 THERE WERE 12 MILLION UNDER ARMS AND A SMALLER POPULATION . 20 MILLION ILLEGALS MANY CAN GET CITIZENSHIP BY JOINING UP !! NOTHING WILL CHANGE JUST WATCH !!

And has no clue when it comes to Middle Eastern politics!! Talk about sending mixed messages. She, as our representative, meets with Assad, and then a statement like this comes out?? The sad part about it is the lemming leftist population of the U.S. (who obviously also know nothing about the Middle East) thinking that she is some sort of landmark savior, moving the nation ahead. This just in...Nancy Pelosi scheduled to meet with Osama bin Ladin to discuss peace terms!!!!

The word is spelled :COJONES CAJONES means: Large boxes, drawers. In some parts of South America is loosely used to mean 'coffin'. Though the correct word for "coffin" is ATAUD. Cordially, Spanish Teacher

You are right that leaving Jews behind in Syia of PA - as things stand now - would be a huge mistake. I'm trying to outline a strategic vision for how to create peaceful coexistence in the future. That's why I also suggested that any deal that is supposed to lead to peaceful coexistence MUST include provisions for real power sharing in the Golan. Army demilitarization. Coordination betwen Israeli and Syrian police. Rights to dual citizenship. Opening both countries to tourists - and potential residents - from the other. No laws prohibiting the sale of land to Jews. But most importantly, instituting the key human rights in Syria. That is the only way that A) Jews could possibly be secure there; and B) the Israeli people could be reasonably assured that Assad or another dictator will not have an about-face at some later point and start demanding Zfat, Bet Shean, Tveria, and whatever else. It may be just a dream right now; but so is peace in the region.

How can any rational human being trust you when you are hosting a number of terror groups, including Hamas and Islamic Jihad, all of them out to destroy Israel? How can anyone trust you when to this day you are arming and training Hizbollah? How can we trust you when your closest ally is Iran, and Iran chants "death to Israel?" What have you done, Syrian, to show Israel that you are genuinely interested in a lasting peace?

leaving jews behind in Syria or palestine would be a huge mistake.That fact that these countries are not democratic would amke the jews automatic suspects and candidates for surveillance like others in police states.What are equal rights with syrians worth anyway? they have no civil rights period.Secondly the jews would be the target of extremists looking to stir up the pot.Some alqeida freak cell attacks jews in katzrin, the govt then fails to respond properly so as to look like "defenders of the jews" then the Jews appeal to israel for help and then the whole bloody bordello starts.No jews should remain in those countries, it is like waving bloody red meat in the face of a great white shark.They couldnt resist biting.

Syria and Iran have signed mutual defense pacts, Iran pays Syrias bills to Russia, Iran provides Syria with weapons. Syria cannt afford to upest Iran it will be Golan to same old Syria tommorow all Israel will get is Assads signature. Syria will have strategic high ground and Lebanon showed that old fashioned armoured warfare still has a role to play today, there are thousands of jews living there who make up the single majority group and live in peace with their druze naighbors its not Gaza where there were 8000 jews surounded by 1 million hostile palestians, Israel makes millions are in exports from the Golan. Water flows from the Golan into the Galalee give the Golan Syria gets its hands on the flow to Israel water Assads father tried diverting the flow himself in the 80s and if this leaves to another war Syria will have the advantage. This is about ambitious pliticians looking to get their names in the history books not because they need this peace for the countries security.

"It is almost impossible to believe that the next US Administration will be as incompetent as the present one is." I am not willing to bet money on it.

used by Israel's enemies. "Make peace now. It will benefit Israel and its neighbours. The inevitable alternative, unfortunately, will be the end of Israel." It takes two to tango, but you wouldn't say the same things to the Arabs, would you, because that requires A SPINE.

"Hezbollah will be just as busy with Tripoli, standing side by side with the Lebanese Army, AND mainstream moderate Palestinians, against the Islamist Fanatics." Hezbollah vs. Islamist Fanatics? Hahahahah that's HILARIOUS! Like Hitler vs. the Nazis or Stalin vs. the Communists. You could be a good comedian if your head were not buried so deep in sand.

It will be fine with me to allow those willing to remain Israeli citizens living on the Golan, but subject to Syrian law. I doubt the settlers will agree to it, though. Who will subsidize small class sizes? Do all Syrian school children get their individual desks and chairs or do many have to sit on the ground? For this reason, as well as the legal situation, I would not turn this into a make or break point of the peace deal. The "legal" issue is that the annexation of the Golan was illegal according to every legal expert you would ask, and the settlers there are correspondingly illegal. The issue is less clear in the West Bank where, I hope, many settler would remain there and wait for the Messiah.

you will do what you are told by America - or you will be dropped, and hard. Bush (and his little friend Blair) howled encouragement for Israel to continue its disasterous attack on Lebanon, even lusting for Israel to attack Syria. When we are drunk, the person encouraging us to drive ourselves home is not our friend. Clear enough yet ? No ? Would you consider those who say that Jews should "convert or burn" are friends of Israel ? Try finding out what the PNAC is really about. If Iran is attacked, Israel will be the burnt offering, and that is the published intention of those behind the Project for the New American Century. Your friends.

The message to Israel from Rice is clear. If Israel wants to continue being Loyal Bushies, don't talk to Syria. Israel now needs to decide if their single political goal is to tie itself to the sinking ship of Loyal Bushies. There is a timeline for the Loyal Bushie ship to sink. In just 19 months Israel will be twisting in the wind as a new administration launches their own initiatives. Israel WILL someday face heavy US pressure to negotiate peace with Syria. This is not even a question of whether Israel should follow the US lead, because the US people do not back Bush's policies. Get smart. Don't be Loyal Bushies, ripe for sacrifice to save Bush's behind. Negotiate a peace with Syria now that makes the Golan weapons free so Israel is safe from being hit from high ground. Negotiate now on Israel's timetable, at Israel's advantage, instead of waiting for the US to withdraw from Iraq which will take all of the pressure off of Syria to negotiate.

Gee, I'm trying... First it might help if the US and Israeli governments were bright enough to focus on this and not get ahead of themselves with wishful thinking and dreamworld politics. Maybe if more Syrians spoke up as you do, the leaders of the US and Israel might think in terms of the Syrian people, and not about its totalitarian government. Then again, given the state of US and Israeli leadership, we might have to wait for a new President and new Prime Minister before seeing any real progress. Still, keep speaking up. I will too. Encourage your friends. Eventually it will make a difference - the historical trend towards democratization is on our side. (And I've had this same conversation with friends in Egypt!)

And we see now in Tripoli how they sometimes act, and how they must be responded to. Trust me, I know much of what is going on in the Middle East. The Baathist Party was begun by a Christian who believed in the separation of Church and State. Syria (under Assad) and Iraq (under Hussein) adopted, embraced and enforced these beliefs. The people we are fighting in Iraq, are the same extremists that threatened Saddam. The extremists in Syria, are for now, being held back by the Allawite government of Bashar Assad. AntiJewish attitude? I read the arab propaganda. It is very AntiIsraeli. what happens, is that when it is interpreted, buffons that can barely speak Arabic, let alone English, stutter out, 'We .. must oppose the attrocities ... bad things done by ... the State of Zion..., Israel, State of Jews ... bad people.' Israel, and their constant defence of their actions by calling themselves 'Jews' rather than Israelis, is what grays the boundary between Jew and Israeli.

I can't argue with most fo what you wrote in post #77. With one exception. The residents of the Golan should be allowed to decide whether they want to remain Israelis or become Syrians. There must be NO more disengagements. And Syria must treat them, whether Jews, Druze or Muslim or Christian Arabs, with equality. Peaceful coexistence doen't happen across borders. It happens between neighbors. Otherwise, I maintain that any peace deal will just be a sham and an illlusion. And it still seems like having the two countries share the Golan - under the right conditions - would be the best solution for all involved.

by handin' away the Golan , then count US out of that deal , for US has no intention to provide 2.4B$ per year to terror Syria to sustain a terror infiltartion from the Golan , or Syria to whine about IAF overflys detectin' terror and weapons transfer , So Syria will make sure that the agreement contain explicit prohibition of IAF overflys , Syria of course will say its for peace and will call the Golan a natural park , And Israel will again whine about smugglin' ,same as Gaza , The 6 years old Gaza quassams issue , Katyushas issue , kidnappin' issue isn't due to public opinion protests , the public is supposed to be concerned with daily life issues ,everyday there is a new group strike on money issue, security , safety issue is a matter of Gov't duty but cause MKs have become credit cards chasers and what a better to robb when they enjoy MK immunity ,then MKs tells you its up to protests about security , safety issue , Money replaced Zionism ideology , TL index , Wall Street ect.. So when people protest to have this Gov't out for lack of security for the South , for the North , for smugglin' ect...the gov't say its irresponsible to quit now , 'Gaza wasn't last transfer" ,

Be our guest, show us the way! This is what we are striving for afterall...

Don't get me wrong. Nothing is more valuable than REAL peaceful coexistence. My point is about the definition of peace. And what the agreement to which you refer would have to contain, to bring about a real peace between the two populations. I don't believe simply transferring the Golan will do it. So I'm suggesting what I think will do the job. Creating conditions in Syria which would prevent Assad or other future leaders from changing their minds and continuing to fund Hizballah, or work with Iran on Israel's destruction. Namely: create a Syrian constitution with freedom of speech, press, religion, and due process; and beginnning the process of replacing the Assad dynasty with an elected, human-rights friendly, representative govt. Then Israelis could believe that things had really changed, and they were getting more than an empty piece of paper when signing any deal.

Do you even have a remote idea of what is going on in the Middle East? Do you really think that extremists are interested in peace? When has Israel ever made a gesture for peace that the Arabs answered in kind? Read the Arab propaganda. It is clearly anti-Jewish -- practically stollen from the Nazis. And you want to give these people money? Your one-sided view of Israel's attitude towards the rest of the world smells like it contains a touch of anti-Semitism, and certainly a double standard.

True the military importance of Golan is no longer much of a factor. But if Syria controls the Golan they will be in a position to cut off Israel's main water supply. Your information is way too incomplete.

Polybius, rockets can be fired today from deeper in Syria. Israel has mastery of the skies and mastery in missiles. So I am not concerned about Tveria being hit when Damascus is vulnerable to an attack. This is the way of the world. A state does not attack its neighbor not always because of love, but because it fears the response. As far as investment in the Golan, there are some 18,000 settlers there. Very cheap by comparison to what will happen in the West Bank. In any case, let the peace talks discuss infrastructure compensation and, if Israel has the good sense of not destroying homes in the Golan, it might be able to sell them to willing and able Syrians. I wouldn't worry about Gamla. One of the issues in a peace agreement (already discussed) is free tourism. Once you have a good site like Gamla which attracts Jewish tourists, you have an incentive to preserve it. Israel develops Christian tourist sites not because it believes in Jesus.

The US should leave Iraq 4 weeks ahead of schedule. That will save the Americans 4 Billion Dollars. The Americans should give that money to Israel. Isreal should give that money to Lebanon and say, 'Sorry about the damage to civilians and civilian infrastructure, it was the only way we knew how to fight Hezbollah.' The arabs will be taken aback. Israel, apologize? Impossible. Sympathy will grow. Maybe they do care about nonIsraelis ... nonJews. Nothing, absolutely nothing, could reduce the ranks of Israel's enemies quicker than this simple and painless gesture. People don't hate Israel because it's full of Jews. They hate Israel because it's full of people that respect nonJews less than Jews. If that perception were to change, we all would be safer and happier.

After playing it tough, and not "rewarding" Syria and Iran with direct talks, it is disheartening to watch President Bush and Secretary Rice crawl on their knees to these terrorists. We should talk to Syria and Iran, but from a position of strength. However, with the US military tied down in Iraq, we can only talk from a position of weakness. The Syrians and Iranians know this, and are gaining as much as they can from the situation. No wonder they don't take Bush's threats seriously!

Buck tradition, and stop listening to the well intentioned but absolute nonsense being regurgitated by your parents. If the Golan was used to attack Israel, Israel within minutes could bomb downtown Damascus. This is not 1967. This is not 1973. I am going to repeat something that I have said before. Israel has lost their infantry advantage. They have lost their armor advantage. They still control the skies, and they are still the only Middle Eastern nation with Nukes. It is absolutely essential that Israelis, both Liberals and Conservatives alike, immediately talk peace to Syria and whoever is willing to listen. The longer they wait, the more time the Arab Conservatives have to devise a way to shoot down Israeli jets, and the more time that Iran has to develop a nuke. Before all advantage is lost, listen to King Hussein of Jordan. Make peace now. It will benefit Israel and its neighbours. The inevitable alternative, unfortunately, will be the end of Israel.

Dear American, I actually am not sure about the cause of US attitude towards Syria, especially given its immense potential of cutting off Iran's long arm over the Middle East. Days after 9-11, Pres. Bush spoke to the Congress and said, "Our war on terror begins with al Qaeda, but it does not end there. It will not end until every terrorist group of global reach has been found, stopped and defeated." Instead of terror groups "of global reach", the Bushmen decided to go after every local terrorist group (with local interests). These included Hizballah and Hamas, groups which only fight Israel and have no business with the US. As their supporter, Syria also got on the enemies list. Was this mission creep the result of Israeli influence or the fact of Bush trying to invent new enemies once al-Qaida was defeated in Afghanistan? I really don't know, but perhaps the story of Don Quixote attacking the windmills would suggest that this foolishness came from within the Bush head itself. In any case, the Baker Commission already recommended that the US speak with Syria. Bush does it very reluctantly. So far, they seem to be placing demands on the Syrians without offering them anything in return. Another strange diplomacy. It is almost impossible to believe that the next US Administration will be as incompetent as the present one is. Better days will be here again.

I must assume that everyone that believes that the Golan Heights, the high ground, is a strategic asset, must be over the age of 60. In the old days, before the internet, before cell phones, sat phones, GPS, artillery teams required high ground in order to approximate their targets, even then, multiple rounds needed to be shot from the Golan in order to finally pinpoint the settler in Galilee. Now, whether fired from the Bekaa, or Damascus, or a cave somewhere in between, a guided rocket will hit its target, regardless of the height of launch. Cruise ships can destroy Moscow. The products of Dimona can be launched from underground bunkers, creating havoc in Damascus and Tehran. There is absolutely no reason not to give up the Golan Heights. All the nonoilexporting countries in the Middle East (Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon ... coincidentally Israel's neighbours) would benefit greatly from an economic partnership with Israel. -more

Here are two sites for you to put together. The first is the excuse and the second is the reason. If Saudi tells the US, peace or no oil, you can easily see what will happen. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6404296089696796093&hl=en http://www.lifeaftertheoilcrash.net/Introduction.html

Either "THE JEWS" control American foreign policy as you and others claim of they dont.it is not a question of what day of the week it is.According to your anti semite theories AIPAC should have quashed this intitiative.This goes to prove that your views are paranoid and ludicrous.The fact that you even try to explain it away tells me you do intend to maintain your belief system despite evidence to the contrary.You are very mixed up ballistic.

Everything has a price tag my friend. I see that peace is a lot more valuable than the developments and buildings put in the Golan. I would suppose that when a peace agreement is signed, Israelis, like any other nationals would be more than welcome to visit Syrian terrority at any time. Put more thought into the priceless stability that will be achieved rather than the few buildings erected.

Yes my friend, we all look forward to the day where we will live in harmony and forget about the hatred which was planted in us by politicians who do everything to their own good, without the slightest consideraton to the good of the people. Peace is the only solution for us all. Syrians like the Israelis like any other people want to live in peace and security, and as long as we learn how to respect one another, our problems will be solved for good.

I accept and respect all the misery that the Jews have experienced throughout history. I also accept that the Golan was part of Israel centuries ago. But if the world is only going to work under these terms, nations will be fighting each other endlessly. We need a rational solution, and I see that giving up a peice of land where the majority of its people are Syrians and only perceive themselves as Syrians, is well worth the peace that will be achieved. Which also includes of course all the security guarantees that Israel will get as a result. This is a once in a lifetime chance, let's make the most out of it, and lets rid ourselves of all the negativity and open up a new chapter.

No body shpuld give us green lights, we are a sovereign country, and we could decide for ourselves if we want to talk to Syria. I am not saying we should not talk to them... I am simply saying that under this corrupted and arrogant Isaraeli governement we should nbot talk until we got ride of them... they do not decide for ISrael anymore.

Say, my young grandson can count. Have you noticed we are scrounging for troops? Is Israel ever gonna get around to sending any to Iraq? Well, as for the rest of your nonsensical post, unlike Israel, who, according to Haaretz is runned by the IDF, we voted out every warmonger we could. You are depending on AIPAC et al. Sorry, too late for that. Let's start basic, shake your head, where will the US get troops? Dubya should have thought about all those countries destabilized before you flubbed up Lebanon and the US flubbed Iraq. You better have more coffee and be sure to send IDF troops to the fight. Ours are being picked off like chickens while you sit there and crow the US can't leave; course, what are you losing? Honestly, what IS in your coffee, mate? Regards. Get packing and have more coffee.

But how could it hurt if Israel (or the US, for that matter) did speak with Syria, and tell Assad to implement freedom of speech, press, and religion; and create a framework for future democratic elections - and then the Golan comes into the picture? Of course he won't accept, but at least that's a concrete starting point for negotiations; and aren't those are the actual preconditions for real peaceful coexistence between the peoples of Israel and Syria?

I know many Americans think all Syrians are anti-peace, all of em are 'vicious' fighters, all Israeli's are 'good', G-ds people..Americans are this or that.....misconceptions, prejudices, lies, greed, hate, it IS time to move beyond these things and live together as human beings sharing one moon, one sun...and hopefully one day...ONE HEART!

Are you at all concerned that if Israel does give the Golan to Syria it will hasten the arrival of the day when Syrian rockets land in T'veria? What about the huge amount of development and effort Israelis put into building up the Golan? Would you consider that a donation to Syria, or would you want some sort of tangible compensation from Syria in return? Would you want to preserve Israelis' rights to visit Gamla, and the other Jewish historical sites in the Golan?

but we have already talk about that here at TB. The Ameicans have let the playing field open for the Shiiets and that has to be countered by allowing for the Sunnis to regroup and unite. This was even the predicted outcome by the "left" here and that was 4 years ago. This TB contains more news than Haaretz do and thus maybe it should be closed down.

Washington has given Israel the green light to accept Syrian President Bashar Assad's call for peace talks.

If the current US and/or Israeli governments had ANY vision for how to bring peaceful coexistence to the region (and I think their respective actions, in Iraq and Lebanon, show they don't) they would be promoting a plan that could conceivably bring peaceful coexistence. That does not mean outcome-oriented schemes for "giving" the Golan to Syria, or "keeping" the Golan for Israel - under either scenario it would not be necessary for Israelis and Syrians to live together in peace. There would still be a border between them; and any agreement reached between them could be broken whenever Iran or Assad feel like it. Rather, a real plan would have the Golan being shared by both countries, a demilitarized zone, whose citizens could have dual citizenship, open to citizens of both countries without a visa. With freedoms of speech, press, & religion. This would take a lot of work, but could create the conditions for real peaceful coexistence between the peoples of both countries.

Dear Friend in Syria. I agree totally, but one could look at this picture from a different point of view and of course we do, as we believe that much of Syria in addtion to the Golan belongs to Isreal and that moderen Syrians are sitting on our land stolen by the Romans, the Bysztines (Christians), the Arabs/Turks (Muslims). History is a funny thing in that it only hurts when it is close. But for Jews we have been hurting for our God given land since being exiled for more than 2,000 years. We are back and not going anywhere. Maybe our very Land hungry neigbours, who continuously covet our small but very Holy Land should consider your comments seriously.

Hey Johnboy, Well I see you are still on the bash the Zionist tact. History would show despite and inspite of recent International Laws, that some neighbours are difficult, if not impossible to trust. And that it would be foolish to open our arms in a loving embrace with any of our dear Arab neigbours. John Boy come and live here a awhile before you pass judgement on us Zionists or even our newer Isrealis modern thinking leftist peacenik citiziens who will gladly join the Army to protcet this country if and when Syria, Hizboillah, Pals or who ever attacks us.

YOU HAVENT HAD THAT NEW BRAIN FITTED I SEE AND TROT OUT THE SAME OLD CRAP !! TELL ME EXACTLY HOW THE USA IS GOING TO LEAVE IRAQ AND WHAT METHOD THE ARMY COMMANDER WILL USE ?? PERHAPS YOU HAD BETTER READ NAPOLEONS MEMOIRS BEFORE TELLING ME ??? A RETREAT FROM IRAQ WILL EXPOSE AFGHANISTAN AND JORDAN AND POSSIBLY EVEN SAUDI ARABIA AND KUWAIT ! HURRY UP AND GET ABRAIN FITTED !!

Many people here refer to the handing back of the Golan to the Syrians as "selling", forgetting that this land is Syrian, and not Israeli. Both countries have had enough of wars and misery, it is time to forget the past and look towards a peaceful future where we can be NEIGHBORS, just like the prophet Moses peach be upon him taught, and as the ten commandments which state "You shall not covet your neighbor?s house; you shall not covet your neighbor?s wife, or male or female slave, or ox, or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor." Let's be peaceful neighbors, it's about time.

CJK: "I am a hard person to fool. That makes me an old fashioned Zionist" What, there is a *new* fashioned zionism out there somewhere? I find that very, very hard to believe, Cipora.

Israel never seems to learn. As a matter of fact it compounds its problems. Agreeing to talk with Syria before a total halt of arm shipments by Syria to Hezbollah and Hamas will be the culmination of mistakes centering around viewing Damascus as peace seeking. Damascus created and fed Hezbollah and Hamas whose sole objective is to kill Isrealis and moderate Arabs. I wonder why Damascus would change its behavior now, except to extricate istself from a difficult position it finds itsel in within its own environment( both in the Arab world and the West). Giving credence to a serial liar's statements about peace as Bashar Assad will in the future cost hundreds if not thousands of Israeli life. The only way to deal with dictators is by smashing and crushing them. Bashar Assad is no partner in peace and will never be just like the Mafia cannot be reformed.

Tosefta, I am not sure, but I think that America's view of Syria was shaped to a great extent by Israel. Which brings to mind be, careful what you wish for. That being said, America?s perception of Syria?s involvement in Iraq is on the surface pretty stupid. We demand that they control their border with Iraq. Never mind, that we have a border with Mexico that we can?t control. The Iraqi refugees are a significant burden on Syria as well. You would think, in a rational world that these would be seen as common problems. I am in total agreement with what you have said.

The scenario you described for the middle east - if it were to occur - may it occur first in Detroit. Beginning on your block, with your home and family and spreading out to everyone and everything you love. I also love my land. And the Lebanese love their land. Don't wish on another what you wouldn't wish upon your own.

bite the hand that feeds them, but it won't cut the hand off. Obviously Israels own security measures aren't working very well.

ITS NOT THE SAME OLD STUFF JACK ANY MORE THAN RAYMONDE COMPOSES MUSIC. EIRE HAS LIVED ON MONEY SENT HOME BY EMIGRANTS SINCE 1924 AND WHEN MILLIONS WENT ABROAD FOR WORK . WHY WITHOUT THEM HALF OF BRITAINS CONSTRUCTION WORK WOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN DONE!! WHATS THAT ONLY 80 YEARS OF HANDOUTS NOW WE SEND MONEY TO PAKISTAN ???

Moe, why would Palestinian be so insistent that the Golan go to Syrian hands? Unless, of course, Palestinians are REALLY just Syrians.

Israel should of course talk to Syria. The Syrians have already decided to pursue peace in the Hafez Assad days. What changed since then is the US attitude towards Syria, which used to be positive but has become threatening. The blind ideologues in Washington condemn Syria for their help to Hizballah and Palestinian terror groups even though this is all done in order to pressure Israel to deal. Without such pressure, what is the chance Israel would even think of returning the Golan? And since the US is threatening Syria, their protection is friendship with Iran. The US stupidly is helping enhance Iranian influence over our region, after destroying the only local regime which could stand up to Iran - Saddam's Iraq. Israel should deal with Syria. The deal will not be concluded under Bush, but one can expect a smarter president to follow. The US should be part of the peace deal. A rational US will bring Syria in from under the Iranian influence, and give it some financial support too, as Egypt is getting. With Iran pushed out, Hizballah will be cut off from its arms supplier and will have to become a political party. Peace with Syria will be followed by peace with Lebanon. Hamas will be lonely and easier to deal with.

Actually, no Ireland is NOT dependent on EU handouts. Their "handouts" have dropped substantially over the last few years, and they are moving from a net recipient to a net donor in EU terms. Then again, your post is just an attempt to distract from the fact that you have no ideas, and only regurgitate the same old s**t time after time. And always in all caps - as though that made it definitive or something.

POTS SHOULDNT CALL KETTLES BLACK

So, the dog is finally coming to understand that he is on a leash controlled by his master. Good. One (state or individual) is so much better served by comprehending reality than being blinded by one's own tribal romanticism.

I trust the Israelis said "thank you" to Big-Daddy for this permission; yet another example of the Americans telling Israelis what to do and when to do it and not the other way around as generally thought. Israel remains the Americans' well compensated local bouncer/gorilla.

all the politicians were giving us the run around, fisr the israelis said america was holding them back, then the yanks said no they weren't now it is in black and white that america was telling israel not to talk, WELL? who the hell is living in the region and continously threatened by missiles and the such? not america, as i have said many times before to israelis, work out the problem yourself, the yankee gov is not looking out for your long term survival, it is making billions off you by supplying weapons, what a joke, simple, if there was peace with your neighbours could you imagine the millions you would save and therefore pay less taxes? but no, you continously are at each others throats, it's not good for all in the region and that includes israel, when will you people wake up and smell the roses ?

If Israel gives up Golan, it not only looses strategic and tactical necessity, but millions of shekels of productive land. Golan is essential part of Israel and must be protected. Israel has right to land according to Law of Nations and historical right. Syrian borders are artificial and Israel has right to secure and safe borders. If Syria recovers Golan for a piece of paper, Israel is strategically dead and will not be able to defend herself. Screw the US; we are not her puppets. Time to develop new allies like China and India and start buying and selling weapons with them.

1. "Washington has given Israel the green light" - no independent self respecting country requires consent from the US to conduct it's own political affairs. 2. Problem 2, the incumbent government can neither be relied upon nor trusted to act in the nation's interest. The US should have held back this green light until a more competent government is in control.

"The Bush administration has given Israel permission..." Hold on there - didn't Israel recently celebrate something it calls its "independence"!!??

I am a hard person to fool. That makes me an old fashioned Zionist.

Apart, of course, from that teeny, tiny little detail of, you know, peace with Syria. A minor triffle, I know, but it does come with little frilly bits like, oh, I dunno, probably a normalization of relations, and setting up of embassies, and trade and boring ol'd stuff like that. You know, the bits you could so easily overlook. But you want Israel to be able to tack *other* stuff on it as well? Heck, this isn't some US appropriations bill, where pork-barelling amendments get tacked onto the end of it to satisfy the vested interest. No, nothing as important as THAT. Sheesh! Are you Israelis THAT scared of peace? The idea that something positive might happen that DOESN'T involve a lot of people dying on the other side - is it *THAT* foreign to your way of thinking? You are a hard person to please, Cipora. Dare I say, you are the perfect zionist....

Syria has made commitments to Iran, and Iran to Syria. They are "married". One agreement is that never will they accept a permanant Israel. Of course they will provide the most sincere lip service and all of the worthless signed pieces of paper Israel would like in return for Golan and a full withdrawal to '67 lines. An Israeli Retreat from Golan in return for Nothing will be a signal to The American Jewish Community that Israel is about to become a lost cause because Israel will not be able to defend itself without Golan and Iran/ Syria know this. If you are going to commit suicide, Nitwit Danite, "do eat".

eat red pepper. Different day. Different reality.

lays it out on the table. Enjoyed the post.

Pushing the peace plan is the "US screwing Israel"? How exactly does one follow from the other? Seems like what is left will result in perpetual war over there. It's not clear what the US can do for the benefit of Israel that you would not consider "screwing us". Turn on the TV and see Iraq and Afghanistan. Dubya's cajones are in a wringer. His legacy is non existent, and it appears that he and Condi are gonna chug that peace train through with or without Israel. In fact, one poster suggested peace will be imposed on the Israel due to exigent circumstances. I guess everybody will have to wait and see. Regards.

If your"theory" is correct then Israel is better off preparing for war with Syria than handing over the Golan. Because the mysterious "Iranian" you speak of will eventually take over weak Syria and essentially be inside Israel. But alas you theories are bankrupt. Livni,, Rice, Carter, Clinton, Peres , and Rabin all tried the same thing. They tried to make a deal with the devil. Each one arrogantly thought "I will be the one to finally succeed!!". Any "deal" with Assad is such a deal. He is a liar and speaks out of every orifice of his body to put it nicely. He, like Arafat and the ayatollahs cannot be trusted EVER. So if Israel is in a true stranglehold, which it isn't quite yet, allow me to remind you of a man who refused to make a deal with the devil. As an American you should be familiar with one of our greatest patriots. His name; Patrick Henry. He was famous for one particular speech in which he cried out "Give me LIBERTY or give me DEATH!" Sorry Bernie. No deal!

reasonable in terms of a mindset. Golly, peace needs to hurry!

Israel is the US's impudent brat! 71% of the Israelis, according to Haaretz, want the US to whack Iran. Make up your mind, do you want to float your own boat or not? Looks like you are in the US and, as such, you know americans are in no mood for more war. Better urge Israelis to catch that peace train before the US leaves Iraq!. Regards.

Israel has attacked and killed Americans (USS Liberty) and NATO personnel (both Lebanon wars), whom they thought could endanger Israels security. This article is pure fantasy in that any American politician would even consider dictating Israeli security policy to Israeli leaders. Israel would tell them to go jump in the lake and would be totally justified in doing so.

Israeli leaders are Bush's poodles just like Blair was. Now Bush says yes talk to Syria. So, arf, arf, Ulmert talks to them. Wasn't it also a good idea yesterday? Arf, arf, nope, 'cause Bush was saying no yesterday. Just remember, Ulmert...Blair got fired for being Bush's poodle!

USA do your own negotiations and leave us to do our own. You care about your country's welfare and not about ours. The value of your currency is falling and falling while ours is climbing. Don't interfere with us. Israeli PMs in the past have defied American dictates. We don't want a puppydog we want a strong leader. I'm sick of an Israeli PM who waits for permission from the Bushies. Olmert: You don't represent me.

"When did Israel give up that part of its sovereignty?" When did Israel ever enjoy full sovereignty? During the War of Independence, when Israel thought to enter Sinai and cut off the Egyptian Army, thus leading to a full Egyptian surrender, Great Britain threatened to attack, and Israel pulled out. In 1956, when Israel conquered all of Sinai as a result of Egypt closing the Suez Canal to Israeli shipping and sponsoringh fedayeen attacks, Eisenhower-Dulles threatened Israel with sanctions, and Israel pulled out. In 1973, when Ariel Sharon cut off the EgyptianArmy in Sinai by crossing the Suez Canal, and only a few more days were needed before the whole Egyptian Army would surrender, the Soviet Union threatened to attack Israel, and Israel pulled out. We're a tiny state, JAck, with no natural resources to speak of, and we're entirely dependent on brainpower (which isn't always in evidence). So when a big power yells, we jump.

There is no SLA (South Lebanese Army). That group of mercenaries was disbanded in 2000, when Israel left South Lebanon, with the SLA running after them begging the Israelis to let them in, before the Lebanese showed up and held them to account for treason. There is now a Lebanese Army. One that hopefully will become fully incorporated with Hezbollah, if only the government will accept that 40% of Lebanese (the Shia) have a say in the decision making. Hezbollah will be just as busy with Tripoli, standing side by side with the Lebanese Army, AND mainstream moderate Palestinians, against the Islamist Fanatics. Nobody in the Middle East wants Al Quaeda to win. You will see that in the coming days, by the reaction of ALL Lebanese to Tripoli.

Doesn't this statement: "Lebanon would also not be discussed in negotiations between Syria and Israel." contradict this one: "Syria's role in terrorism, the presence of terrorist organizations in Damascus and its involvement in smuggling weapons to Hezbollah and the Palestinian territories are currently issues which the U.S. is not discussing with Syria." Or is the wording of the article simply unclear?

Hooray! Peace is finally here! Hooray! It's peaceful!

israel gave up its sovereignity the moment its started accepting US money and US vetoes at the UN

The only issue Israel would be permitted to discuss with the Syrians is the handing over of the Golan.

Until Israel is able to stand alone, without the much needed and very welcome assistance forwarded by the USA, we are bound to work in concert with her. People can be so very quick to downplay the importance of the alliance when it suites them. But it definately wont help Israel to go it alone if the USA feels its interest in the region are in jepardy. Especialy now when the Israeli leadership enjoys neither the confidence of their constituents or the world in general. If Israel ever feels that its position is different from that of the USA, It should consult on the issue and work out a solution. But lets not forget what The Americans have done for us as Israelis, as Zionists, and as Jews in the diaspora. G-d bless America

IDF is distracted with Gaza, SLA is busy in TRIPOLI, and UNFIL maybe called to investigate bombings in Beirut which leave Syria and Hizbullah freedom to attack Israel if they want.

The 'new' Middle East was supposed to be one where Hezbollah was destroyed, Syria was kicked out of Lebanon, and the Iranian-Syria alliance was reduced. Unfortunately, instead, Hezbollah prevailed and provided inspiration to Palestinians. Instead of weakening the Arabs, the attack on Lebanon strengthened them. Now the Palestinians have hope, Hezbollah has pride, Iran has defiance ... and Syria, the least motivated partner, is just looking for a deal. Rice told Livni (maybe in private) ... 'That was a huge screwup, the only option now is to break Syria away from the rest of them.' Livni knows that the US will leave Iraq. An Iranian at that point will take over Iraq. Iran, Iraq, Syria, Hezbollah and Palestine will be against Israel. Jordan, full of Palestinians, will overthrow Hussein and join the fight. If that happens, Israel will go bankrupt trying to defend its country. Israel must make peace with Syria, before the US leaves Iraq, and Iran takes over.

Forcing peace craps on Israel is not good for Israel. Israel should not fall into this trap of no return.

What nonsense. If we are an independent country we talk with whom we please. And about what we please. The sad fact is that we are overly dependent on the U.S. Peace with our arab neighbrs will reduce that dependence and allow us to integrate better into the bigger world. America has its own problems, with which it is failing to deal effectively. We do not need to be dictated to by an idiot like Bush.

This all stinks like the Rice/Livni sisterhood at work! Tzipi is chomping at the bit to surrender the Golan. She set up a committee right after war to look into the logistics. Thank God it was shot down by the public right in it's tracks. She was a party to secret "negotiations" that prompted Assad to tell his cabinet members to start buying parcels of Golan property...during the lebanon war! The coy Mistress of Disaster and Intern of Foreign Affairs is at it again. She has a big ally in Bush's cabinet and Bush is loosing traction to the Saudi appeasers. FLUSH OLMERT !!! FLUSH LIVNI !!!

Blair is gone. Olmert is going. Bush is going. All these people with their great ideas are going to be history while guys like Assad and Ahmedinejad remain. It is time to acknowledge that the ultimate Iraqi leader will be proIranian. Jordan's king is practically pleading for Israel to make a peace deal, because he well knows that next fall, when the US leaves Iraq, and an Iranian takes over ... there will be tremendous pressure within his kingdom to join the opposition to the Zionist regime. If Hussein is overthrown prior to Israel making a peace deal with the Arab States, Israel will be defeated. It is in their interests to immediately make peace with the arabs, before the US leaves Iraq, and before Hussein loses his Jordanian throne. There are very stupid Americans dictating foreign policy right now. Only blind Israelis would not question the judgement of the US Neocon administration.

Why does Israel need US permission to enter into negotiations regarding their own security and national interest? I would understand, considering how much support the United States gives Israel, that Israel would contact the US and let them know, when they get close to a settlement, what their intentions are. Even at that point, scuttling the final deal would be an option, if it meant losing US Military and Financial support. But sitting across a table, understanding the counterposition, feeling out the other side ... these are all rights and requirements of all nations. Israel must DEMAND the right to negotiate as it sees fit with its neighbours. Its only responsibility is to ensure it does not sign a final deal that conflicts with US interests. But that is the last day of negotiations. They can do the 6 month preliminary stuff now.

Why talk with so many restrictions? How can the Syrians take you serious if all you negotiated are subjected to Americas approval? Is this a meeting between two sovereign states or pawns of the greater powers? Are these talks design to sabotage the Saudi plan? So many questions, from so many foolish leaders...

Olmert is not interested in security or the Israelis living in the Golan as long as Assad offers him PEACE IN OUR TIME Just like Hitler promised Chamberlin in 1939. That will be more than enough to convince Olmert, peretz, Livni, Peres and the rest of the left wing politicians who are either idealists or are interested in furthering their own career and getting their place in the history books and a nobel prize. Now Olmert is going to sell the Golan .. by the time the Olmert adminiistration is gone there wont be much of an Israel left. Please ellections before Olmert sells the country for promises if there are going to be peace deals done its got to be give and take it cant be Israel give everything and the arabs just promise peace.

These talks must lead for a better life and security for the Israeli folks in the North and must lead to the return of the Golan to Syria and a peace treaty between Israel and Syria!!!! NEXT LETS START THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN TALKS

Kind of nice for Bush to "allow" Israel to negotiate its own affairs with Syria, if it chooses. When did Israel give up that part of its sovereignty? I am not sure how serious Assad is, or whether he has the ability to conclude a true peace. I do feel it is better to talk and prove he is not serious, than have it appear that Israel is an obstacle to peace.

Olmert and Gang of 5 will sale Israel's security for their Jobs and ther Legacy. THey will give up everything for money.

Olmert and Gang of 5 will sale Israel's security for their Jobs and ther Legacy. THey will give up everything for money.

Israel should explore this,of course no deal should be signed untill syria agrees to end support for hamas and gives up using Hizbollah to attack israel to justify their postion inside lebanon.However I wonder how does this play with the notion that the "JEWS CONTROL AMERICA"? Arent THE JEWS against giving up the Golan heights? So much for that anti semitic canard.

Stop supporting terrorism!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Get out of Lebanon! Let out of Iraq! Get out of the Palestinians' lives (you are partly resonsible for their misery)