How and ever, Assad may be confronted by a simple strategic reality. His main ally is far away, and an American army is between Syria and his ally.
I'm convinced that one of the reasons Condi went to the ME was to sound out Olmert and the Saudis about the Boy President. I'm also pretty convinced she's been dealing with the Syrians behind the scenes.
If she ended up in Damascus this week, I wouldn't be surprised.
Be Seeing You,
Chris