Assad inspires 'flip' theories

Washington Times ^ | December 27, 2006 | Iason Athanasiadis

[freedomdefender]

Recent visits by Syrian President Bashar Assad to U.S.-allied Yemen and the United Arab Emirates are prompting speculation that Syria is seeking to leave the Iranian orbit and pursue closer ties with the West. Such a move would fulfill a major recommendation of the Iraq Study Group, headed by former Secretary of State James A. Baker III and former Rep. Lee H. Hamilton, which suggested it might be possible through diplomacy to pry Syria away from Iran.

[Mariner]

I would not be surprised is the boy dictator is hedging his bets...

The Iranian/NK axis is starting to look like a looser even to the insane.

[inkling]

If Assad seriously flips, the Hezbo's will take him out.

[the_Watchman]

Can you say: "Plays them like a fiddle?"

The liberals were convinced that Arafat could be flipped to the bitter end. At least the Clintons gave up on Arafat.

[GovernmentIsTheProblem]

Bullshiite.

[elhombrelibre]

The "Flip Theory" or the "Kerry Theory?"

[Nachum]

Assad is a Baathist a la Saddam Hussein. He hates the west and plays us for fools while killing his neighbors too. We are idiots to even consider dealing with him.

[Vigilanteman]

Maybe the impending neck stretching his buddy Saddam is scheduled to get will cause him to reconsider the wisdom of supporting jihadis.

[jveritas]

Agree 100%.

[Cindy]

ON THE NET...

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1747324/posts?page=1443#1443

[happyathome]

I don't think he has any way to hedge his bets. Consider...

His idea of a goo deal with the US would be for us to (1) try to pressure Israel into giving up the Golan, (2) leave him alone in Damascus, (3) help him put the clamps on Hezbollah to dampen Iranian influence in Lebanon, (4) pressure the Lebanese to accept continuing Syrian influence, and (5) give him lots of financing. In return, he might allow CIA and SF into western Syria to interdict the flow of Qaida into Iraq. But he has little to no influence over the Sunni Iraqis, and he ain't letting us into the Bekaa to see what he's been hiding there.

So that's my opinion of what he wants. We all think the Dems are stupid, but do any of us really think they are stupid enough to give in on even half of that in return for ineffectual help in Iraq? Everything he wants is stuff we aren't going to give him. He's just playing us.

[wodinoneeye]

Action, not talk........

[XR7]

Assad inspires 'flip' theories

[Cindy]

Adding 1 link to post no. 10:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1747324/posts?page=1446#1446

[fatez]

Assad is an Awalite (Awali), which is a subsect or heretical sect (depending on who you talk to) of the Shia branch of Islam. The Awalites are a minority in Syria. The Sunni's (who are the majority in Syria) are itching for payback for all the crimes Assad's father committed against them (especially the crushing of the Muslim Botherhood in Hama in 1982). No way Assad leaves the Iranian alliance. He is friendly with the Shia Iranians for a good reason, he is basically one of them in a Sunni sea. I do not know who floats these fantasies into the papers, but they are smoking crack...

[SunkenCiv]

My first crazy prediction for 2007: the Saudis will take the lead, and will align with the US (and a new coalition of the willing) to rub out Iran's mullahcracy. The Dhimmicrats will face a stark choice -- either go along with an international consensus (heh heh) as well as the President, or to be bitch-slapped in 2008. DINOs will carry the day. ;')

Gulf states to counter Iran with largest exercise ever
WorldTribune | December 29, 2006
Posted on 12/30/2006 9:12:01 AM EST by nuconvert
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1760261/posts

Bedein: Sen. Specter Dodgy On Syria Questions
The Bulletin (Philadelphia) | 12.29.06 | David Bedein
Posted on 12/30/2006 1:03:55 AM EST by Zionista Feminista
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1760186/posts

Iran, Iraq and Democrats
davidlimbaugh.com | 12/28/06 | david limbaugh
Posted on 12/28/2006 8:21:01 PM EST by lancer256
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1759658/posts

Times Columnist's Suggestions to W: Strength Through Weakness
NewsBusters | Mark Finkelstein
Posted on 12/31/2006 8:56:12 AM EST by governsleastgovernsbest
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1760573/posts

Iranian Alert - December 30, 2006 - Islamic Republic's latest plan: “Pay-Per-Slay” of Israeli's
Regime Change Iran | 12.30.2006 | DoctorZin
Posted on 12/30/2006 7:26:08 PM EST by DoctorZIn
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1760450/posts

Iranian Alert - December 31, 2006
Iran: Imam Mahdi, Jesus to defeat enemies in Jerusalem
Regime Change Iran | 12/31/06 | freedom44
Posted on 12/31/2006 1:51:47 PM EST by freedom44
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1760667/posts

[1COUNTER-MORTER-68]

bump

[hinckley buzzard]

This is the profound arrogance and cynicism of self-promoting dealers like Baker. They have had their prices met, and assume everyone else has a price which can be met as well. Assad is no einstein but he probably knows the risks of "flipping" better than prima donnas in their law offices in Washington.

Just what, after all, do we have to offer him that would be worth the risk to him? Golan Heights? Israelis might have something to say about that. I don't think we could deliver, even if we wanted to.

[okie01]

We all think the Dems are stupid, but do any of us really think they are stupid enough to give in on even half of that in return for ineffectual help in Iraq?

Yes. I can see the Dems giving all that, and more, while receiving nothing -- beyond promises -- in return.

Then, they would tell us it was a "diplomatic success".

[Fred Nerks]

My first crazy prediction for 2007: the Saudis will take the lead, and will align with the US (and a new coalition of the willing) to rub out Iran's mullahcracy.

that's not crazy, and please don't forget to ping me...