U.S. official: We want to boost ties with Syria

You have a superb idea. Withdrawal of US aid would be a blessing for the US. Israel is a serious liability for the US, and few Americans realize it.The US has protected Israel for 60 years: in the UN with vetoes, guaranteed international loans and aid, last year, $3 billion. Since 1948, total cost to US is over $3 trillion. The US has sacrificed its own national interests in the ME for Israels. And Muslim radicals attack us because of it. It's been a bad investment. US receives little from its unnatural relationship with Israel. Israel says US benefits because: (1) Israel is the only democracy in Middle East. False (2) Israel is military bulwark for US in ME. Irrelevant. In the Gulf War, Israeli participation would have destroyed the coalition. (3) Israel leads in the war on terrorism. False The best US allies on war against Al Qaeda and the Taliban are Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Kuwait and the Gulf States. Israel plays no role in war: Hamas and Hezbollah dont attack the US.

Why exactly do you think improved relations between the US and Syria is a bad idea? Are you afraid of peace?

Why are we Americans so dammed stupid? Closer ties to Syria? All that will do, all that it ever did, all that it will ever do is give Syria and the Islamic Jihadists more opportunities to say that America and Israel are weak and make fun of our offers of help. Islam is so poor that even just a slight humilation to the Great Satin is considered a victory. Any port in a storm huh? What a pathetic civilization Islam is. They lose thousands of people in fruitless Jihadish clashes, which apparently means naught and a simple humilitation to Americda and Israel is considered a victory. Islam is truly a lost civilization, outdated, evil, military oriented, lying, stealing, murdering; a loose amalgamation of unrelated, uninterested, uneducated and unmoralistic desert tribes that haven't grown an iota since the wandering in the sand days. Like spoiled brats trying to bully themselves into the main street of importance in the world. TRASH!

-scus... Let it be lesson ,not only to Israel :America's pompous assurances and letters ,be it to Israel or Lebanon(Hairi murder) are not 5 pots of piss worth.

My best to you. Lou

Of course the hand-wringing, teeth-gnashing warmongers would't understand. Even-handedness in the peace process with Arab countries is something new to America and the Jews are squealing again. Israelis commonly refer to my President as a "N". I don't. I love him. Also, First Lady Michelle is a descendant of slaves and the most educated of all American Presidents wives. The President is also a Professor of Constitutional law. Pisses off the racists and "chosen ones." Salaam/Shalom

"Of course, someone has to pay for these deals. Israel does not care who as long as it is not them." No surprise there. Israelis will tell you themselves. They're the cheapest people on the planet.

What a pathetic President we have. The weakest coward in the history of US leaders. This fool is going to get us in big trouble. Stay strong Israel, Syria can go to H***.

From Syria, Israel wants the following things: (1) cease support of Hamas and Hizbollah, (2) cease giving refuge to militants, (3) stay out of Lebanese politics, (4) abandon mutual defense agreement with Iran. From Israel, Syria wants the following thing: (1) return of the Golan. For years, Israel has had on again, off again talks with Syria, but Israel has never really been willing to give up the Golan. Answer? Bring in America who has things of its own to give Syria in exchange for Syria meeting all of Israels demands. It is the usual something for nothing deal so cherished by Israel. Of course, someone has to pay for these deals. Israel does not care who as long as it is not them.

Only leftist folks think there is a chance for peace and they are deluding themselves. The best chance for peace is to leave this stalemate alone. Let these folks handle their own conflicts. Withdrawal US aid would not be a curse since Obama is trying to twist arms and would have no leverage to do so if this was out of the picture. Besides it would save the US money it needs to survive with what is coming economically speaking (once things really heat up in the Middle East). Israel should then wait for the next US election to see what makes sense (with all interests considered).

It is another way to scream OCCUPATION! I have had it up to here with this kind of crap. How long has this conflict lasted? and if you say decades then why is Israel still so tiny? and why does Israel still occasional and stupidly give up territory for NOTHING. You propaganda artists should shove you nonsense where it belongs; where the light don`t shine!

just like it is too late to start sanctions against the head of the snake (Iran) Obama hasn`t said anything about the oppositions treatment in Iran (he must be talking to the enemy instead...sure....sure). He knows how to duck for cover and make ridiculous moves to give the impression he is serious and will help matters. But alas...

The war with Iraq has nothing to do with Israel. ( in my opinion, it was Bush's way of protecting Saudi Arabia, at America's expense) Obama is moving US troops to Afghanistan, again, nothing to do with Israel. Syria HAS been struck by Israel and , is now more compliant and 'willing to talk.' your flawed analysis is amusing if inaccurate. Keep your day job.

would you prefer kill kill kill

All the way through your post is ridiculous and pathetic. You told us what, you moron? Please, then again (if you don't mind spilling out your divine analysis again) how is it spelling out disaster for Israel that the US has good ties with Syria? Your not-marxistic analysis of that is anticipated with great excitement.

Mark, A racist slur.? Come on Mark, you know well enough. Mr.Obama, has enough on his plate. What with Iraq,Iran,Afghanistan,Pakistan,Yemen and now more strife in Somalia. The last thing he needs is another front. Israel is ready, willing and able to sit down with Damascus. Have a nice day. Stephen.

Israel, under PM Netanyahu seeks a peace agreement with Syria. In fact, Israel has even agreed to some major concessions. Then of course, you do not follow the same road as seen by Jerusalem. Every Israeli attempt has been rejected by Damascus, under strict orders from Tehran. For, the Alawite Clan is but a minority, who wish to maintain their dynasty. The US knows this. So does Israel. In the end, peace with Syria is inevitable. Only if Syria can rely on the full backing of Washington. This is step one. Good day.

stop your hysterics. israel has no interest in having a war with syria. just tell syria to stay on their side of the border.

Actually, Israel has wanted peace with Syria for a long time. They are just not willing to pay the price of returning the Golan. On their side, Israel is expected to demand that Syria stop support of Hizbollah and Hamas, stay out of Lebanese politics, stop giving refuge to militants, and abandon Iran. In exchange, Israel is willing to give nothing. Dragging America into it is simply a way for Israel to get what they want and have America pay the bill.

I Told You!!! I Told You!!! I Told You!!! I've been warning you since before this clown took office that the golden boy was going to be bad news for Israel. Yet the Haaretz moderators rarely ever pass my posts. I've read the TOS and nowhere does it say that Haaretz moderators have the right to refuse posts because it doesn't conform to their leftist/marxist views of reality. You can censor me but you can never censor reality. The Obama Presidency spells disaster for Israel!!!

I am sure they will find a way.

Israel may be tempted to throw stones at this warming in Syrian/US relations. Do not submit to these temptations. Syria is key to the safe and orderly withdraw of US troops from Iraq. It is in the STRONG national interest of the United States for this withdraw to be safe and successful. Do not under-estimate the value of Syria to US national interests. Do not selfishly believe that this has anything to do with Israel, or that Israel's interests should come above US interests, and the lives of US soldiers. Consider yourselves warned that playing typical politics on this issue will put Israel in DIRECT opposition of US national interests, and the safety of US soldiers.

Israel may be tempted to throw stones at this warming in Syrian/US relations. Do not submit to these temptations. Syria is key to the safe and orderly withdraw of US troops from Iraq. It is in the STRONG national interest of the United States for this withdraw to be safe and successful. Do not under-estimate the value of Syria to US national interests. Do not selfishly believe that this has anything to do with Israel, or that Israel's interests should come above US interests, and the lives of US soldiers. Consider yourselves warned that playing typical politics on this issue will put Israel in DIRECT opposition of US national interests, and the safety of US soldiers.

In one year, Obamas has apologized profusely, bowed down, made empty promises, lost any deterrence the US did have against Russia and China and shook hands with despots like Chavez and Assad, all the while getting humiliated by Iran. The guy is a one termer and we are all the best for it. At least the enemy would have respected McCain. What a joke. When does the North Korean envoy arrive to Washington? You know, the representative of a rouge, dangerous nation that Obama vowed the US would never sit bilaterally with. WEAK. WEAK. WEAK.

Since he appearantly is not able to confront the Netanyahu government directlythere is this indirect way. With Assad as smiling good guy into an offer Natanyahu can not refuse but must refuse (due to settlers, IDF and Greater Israel madness), who is gonna look real bad? If Obama can transform Assad in the reasonable and willing to compromise guy, the pressure on Israel will get really hot.

He is a veteran of the middle east affairs going back 20 or 30 years. He knows all the players and he will call it as it is. No BS with Burns. Watch out bibi and avigdor (clowns).

Has Obama received permission from his massa Netanyahu?