Syria Says Wants Dialogue, Better Ties with U.S.

Reuters ^ | January 05 2004

[knighthawk]

DAMASCUS (Reuters) - Syrian Foreign Minister Farouq al-Shara, whose country faces possible U.S. diplomatic and trade sanctions, told Washington's new envoy Monday that Damascus wanted better ties and a positive dialogue. Shara "emphasized the importance of the establishment of a positive and constructive dialogue between the two countries to create a better understanding for their respective stances," the official news agency (SANA) reported.

Shara, speaking to Margaret Scobey after she had presented her credentials, "welcomed Ambassador Scobey, wishing her... success in improving ties between Syria and the United States," SANA said.

Traditionally tense ties between Syria and the United States worsened after the start of the U.S.-led war in neighboring Iraq, which Damascus vehemently opposed.

The war of words between the two raised concern in the Arab world that Syria might be the next American target after Iraq, especially when Washington accused Syria of developing chemical weapons and helping aides of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein to flee.

The United States has since accused Syria of turning a blind eye to militants crossing its borders to attack U.S.-led occupation forces in Iraq -- charges Syria has denied.

Syria in turn has often accused the United States of trying to promote the interests of Israel, its main regional ally, at the expense of those of Arabs.

The White House nominated Scobey in October. A month later U.S. lawmakers voted to impose economic and diplomatic sanctions on Syria to punish Damascus for backing militant groups hostile to Israel, keeping troops in neighboring Lebanon and failing to secure its border with Iraq.

Syria argues that its support for Lebanese and Palestinian "freedom fighters" is political and says its presence in Lebanon is based on a bilateral arrangement with Beirut.

The bill, signed later by U.S. President George Bush, gives him the authority to waive the sanctions on Syria if he deems it in the national interest.

Scobey, who served as deputy chief of mission at the U.S. embassy in Saudi Arabia, replaces Ambassador Theodore Kattouf, who left Syria in August.

[knighthawk]

Syrian Foreign Minister Farouq al-Shara, whose country faces possible U.S. diplomatic and trade sanctions, told Washington's new envoy Monday that Damascus wanted better ties and a positive dialogue

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[bobjam]

I would guess that Quadaffi is not the only Middle East despot who grew a little nervous upon seeing Hussein's dental exam.

[Spruce]

Of course this is all due to UN Sanctions and has nothing to do with the Unilateral US agression against Iraq. </sarcasm>

[diamondjoe]

Ok, we'll play nice if Syria:

1) Leaves Lebanon
2) Gives up all WMD
3) Spills beans on Al Qaeda
4) Abandons Hezbollah.

Otherwise, we have nothing to discuss.

[PhiKapMom]

We need to continue to turn up the heat on Syria. Wonder if Saddam's records and his talking have them worried?

Invasion of Iraq worked wonders on Gadafi -- he didn't want any more bombs headed his way. Think the Middle East despots are finally getting a clue even if it is a little clue that this Administration means business -- get in our way and you are history.

[Naspino]

It is interesting that after Saddam has started talking that leaders of these countries are taking a much softer-friendlier stance.

[Dilbert56]

Actually those are US sanctions voted on by Congress. Even better!

[mel]

But, Howard Dean said the U.S. is not safer now with the war in Iraq and capture of Hussein

[PhiKapMom]

It sure is interesting. Wonder if Saddam kept meticulous notes like his one son did with the money that was spent? That could explain why these leaders are toning down their rhetoric. Saw today that the Iraqi Tribal Leaders want the attacks on the Americans to end.

Saddam must be singing like a canary and must have the goods on a lot of these people.

[BlueNgold]

And the dominoes continue to fall ...

[AAABEST]

Bingo and Bingo.

One thing I know about Arabs/Muslems, they respond to force and strength.... kind of like dogs or pigs.

Islam means "submission". They're at their best (even a bit endearing) when forced into a subservient position (where they belong).

[kingu]

I'd be good with putting one requirement on the table in Damascus - Give the captured lands that Israel holds to the Palestinians. Oh, wait, that'll never happen because their only reason to support the 'palestinaians' is because it annoys Israel.

[jpl]

Yep, the Bush Doctrine really continues to prove to be a complete and utter disaster.

[OXENinFLA]

Hummmm I wonder why?

It couldn't be H.R.1828 the 'Syria Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty Restoration Act of 2003', could it?

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/search?s=Syria+Act&ok=Search&q=quick&m=all&o=score&SX=3ff9ac19bee844f32a806d25816f7fda7ad52587

[PhiKapMom]

Thanks for the info -- very interesting!

[Valin]

Syrian Foreign Minister Farouq al-Shara, whose country faces possible U.S. diplomatic and trade sanctions, told Washington's new envoy Monday that Damascus wanted better ties and a positive dialogue.

I'll just bet they do! Can't imagine why.

[Mr. Mojo]

They want better ties? No problem. Hand over Saddam's WMD (and their own, for that matter) and crack down hard on Hezbollah both in Lebanon and within theri own borders. Then we'll talk.

[Mr. Mojo]

"either the arabs are at your throat or at your feet" Ping.

[GOPJ]

They don't want to be next...

Shara "emphasized the importance of the establishment of a positive and constructive dialogue between the two countries to create a better understanding for their respective stances," the official news agency (SANA) reported.

[Terridan]

You got it! None of them want to face the hellfire that is surely destined for them,and they are trying desperately to fend it off. No way... run this campaign all the way... Syria, Iran, Saudia Arabia... and let us not forget Libya.

[winner3000]

"...says its presence in Lebanon is based on a bilateral arrangement with Beirut."

...the same way that German occupation of Poland in WWII was based on a bilateral arrangement with Poland. Syria is better off not insulting our intelligence any further. It's a neat trick to set up puppet politicians in an occupied land and then say that they're the ones begging you to stay!

[PhiKapMom]

I am with you -- keep the heat on and finish them off one by one!

[geedee]

Syrian Foreign Minister Farouq al-Shara, whose country faces possible U.S. diplomatic and trade sanctions, told Washington's new envoy Monday that Damascus wanted better ties and a positive dialogue. Shara "emphasized the importance of the establishment of a positive and constructive dialogue between the two countries to create a better understanding for their respective stances," the official news agency (SANA) reported.

It's amazing what a little Cowboy Diplomacy can do.

[hchutch]

Ain't it amazing what a dictator will do when he has to wonder when the U.S. might take him out?

Powell and Rumsfeld are pulling off the best "good cop-bad cop" routine I have seen in the foreign policy arena in a long time. I get the sense Rumsfeld would have just as soon sent a B-2 to Tripoli and Damascus to send a couple of folks 2,000-pound candygrams. Most folks get very sensible when that is the likely alternative.

[thoughtomator]

So... they're ready to surrender, then?

[EQAndyBuzz]

They want to move the WMD's back into Iraq before proceeding with meeting Scobey. I think Syria will get a good deal.

1. WMD's are turned over
2. Return of any high profile targets that were allowed into Syria
3. Elimination of their own WMD programs(any weapons can be added to the Iraqi stockpile)

In return, Syria gets to keep Saddams money with the exception of 25% that will go to the creation of a Palestinian state in the Bekaa Valley.

[thinktwice]

And the dominoes continue to fall ...

Conquest and subjugation -- ala Alexander the Great -- led to appointment of local "rulers" from amongst leading locals; and Alexander placed his own people in there to watch over things and collect tribute (tribute and taxes are much the same).

Nothing will really change in any unfriendly Arab/Islamic nation -- with respect to Freedom's interests -- until those Arab/Islamic regimes are gone.

[Spok]

Isn't it interesting that while liberals bemoan the foreign policy 'disaster' of the war in Iraq, America's enemies suddenly want a dialog with Washington?

[jagrmeister]

They want better ties with the US but haven't indicated that they're willing to do anything to get it.

[wildbill]

Can anyone answer this?

When you want to use diplomacy with another country, isn't it a good idea to respect their culture?

Like with Muslim nations it's an insult to show the sole of your foot to someone.

OK then, why do we keep sending women ambassadors to Muslim nations? They are bound to be looked upon as less important than men would be and in most cases their work will be denigrated.

Aren't there plenty of other nations where the 'gender neutral" poliicies could be employed.

[goldstategop]

The only fitting response to the Syrian dictatorship is: "Drop Dead!"

[hotpotato]

We need to continue to turn up the heat on Syria. Wonder if Saddam's records and his talking have them worried?

A Senior Syrian journalist reports Iraq's WMD located in three Syrian sites

[Chu Gary]

"Like with Muslim nations it's an insult to show the sole of your foot to someone."

Is it illegal yet to show the sole of your foot to someone in France?

[happygrl]

why do we keep sending women ambassadors to Muslim nations? They are bound to be looked upon as less important than men would be and in most cases their work will be denigrated .

We have our own culture and civilization to up hold; no need to stoop to their level.

Those fools who are inclined to denigrate the work that these women do now have to consider that the next American woman that they deal with might have a gun pointed at them, and will be giving them orders.

I'm not interested in respecting some culture that denigrates women: I'm interested in having them respect MINE.

[speedy]

I knew Margaret Scobey quite well when she was head of the political section in Kuwait in the mid-90s. Unless she has changed a great deal since then -- always possible, I admit -- she is not the kind of person I think could hand the Syrians their heads. Career State, very squishy. Maybe Bush has stiffened her spine.

[Ethyl]

One thing I know about Arabs/Muslems, they respond to force and strength.... kind of like dogs or pigs.

Islam means "submission". They're at their best (even a bit endearing) when forced into a subservient position (where they belong).


Yea, like when they are smelling each others butts when they so called pray. They look like major fools when they all are on their knees and bend over. HAHAHA submission, alright. Bend over muslims. Fools that you are.