The last thing the US should do at this time is to make a strong declaration about Syria in Israel. Syria is isolated in the Arab world and claims to be a victim of Israel, so by coming to Jerusalem Miss Rice alienates the Arab states she needs most to put pressure on Syria. She creates the impression that the US is subservient to Israeli interests. It would have been better to make the speech in Iraq or Jordan. For your consideration, Josef Cohen

It would have been more efficient if she asked it while visiting an arab country. Claiming this from Israel won't sound with the same echo, and some arabs will become more reluctant to the message. Let's see if she repeats it while visiting Jordan or palestinian territories.

In my opinion, what she said is just bafflegab. I think she's about to make more demands for concessions by Israel. Whenever she speaks or visits, Israel gets screwed a bit more.

Condoleezza Rice is an American. As such she will naturally always put America’s interest first. She may or may not feel favorably towards Israel, but when push comes to shove she will sacrifice Israel’s interests if it is to America’s advantage. Bush desperately needs to achieve some success in the Middle East. If he can push through some kind of “peace deal”, even at Israel’s expense, he will do so in order to make himself look good. Condoleezza Rice acts on Bush’s instructions. Clearly appeasing the Arab and Muslim world is in Bush’s interest. Therefore Israel must be very wary of Bush and his administration.