In the aftermath of the 2006 conflict with Lebanon, I asked an Israeli representative at a synagogue forum why Israel never struck those Syrian staging areas used to transport weapons to Hizbullah. Israel, he argued,, was concerned that by striking Syria, Assad would be weakened, only to be replaced by a more radical, Islamist leadership. That might explain why Olmert was reassuring Syria that it would not be struck. Recent events show how wrong was that strategy. Israel did *something* very significant in Syria, but said little about it. Islamists have yet to take over. But Olmert, ever the amateur, has reassured and thus emboldened Syria which then struck and weakened Lebanon.

Who (not what) is Farid Ghadry? Does he have any credibility among his own people in Syria? Forgetting his supporters in DC or Jerusalem, if this man has no backin in his own country, his words are meaningless and he's just another op-ed writer.

the author is correct in his assessment of the israeli government.....we should be supporting syrian reform and a revolution that would bring democracy to syria..... he is also wrong to think we don't see through his shallow attempt of self importance....if syria was that close to collapse he would not be talking about it....

Israelis should understand moderate Arabs point of views. Those moderate Arabs understand the western culture, and ready to adopt it in their countries. When I was in Lebanon, I used to be affected by the pro-Syrian views, and then I discovered how wrong is to listen to what they say. People of Israel and other moderate Arabs should go for dialog. Nobody understands Arabs more than Arabs themselves. This guy is not Ahmad Chalabi (of Iraq) who just spoke to the Americans what they want to hear, but speaking so much logic. Israelis should speak more with all moderates and listen to all of them and see the similarities in their words. Israel is making a big mistake not getting ready for "after Assad" period!

The thing is is that Syria has control over much of the media. We have no idea who is in favor of who over there. We do know that Assad was just a shoe in for President with 97%of the vote...with no other contender running. The good thing is that there is opposition. We are seeing that in Lebanon now.

I liked the “concubine” story but Olmert is way smarter than that. My advice to the Syrian opposition is to talk to Israel. Think about it carefully. You have a lot to gain. After all, Syrians have no major problem with Israel. You might say what about the Golan? Well the Alawite already "sold it for free”. Don’t think of the Golan but Damascus where Mashaal and company enjoy leaving there – in your own cities and country to which you cannot go – at least alive. I know what I am saying is very tough but Syrians should thank Israel for getting rid of Assad’s nuclear tools, without them, his family already killed over 20,000 people in Hama; with them I let you imagine the magnitude of the disaster …

Please don't blame Olmert for another man's madness. I have read in Now Lebanon where there are plans to erradicate more members of of the majority. This isn't because Olmert is calming the situation, I believe it may be an escalation. Maybe Assad isn't so bold now. He is under more international scrutiny then before. Not that the U(seless) N(obodys) could be of assistance, but Turkey, Eygpt, Jordan, Germany and dare I say Denmark, (C'mon they might grow balls) will now see that Lebanon, Iraq & Afghanistan are more important now for stability than ever. We are not and never should be battling Muslim or Islam. We are fighting those who use them for justifying murders. That would be like blaming Christianity for the church going members of the KKK. Let's suppose for a moment that Hizbollah is planning something in Lebanon where it goes North with Syrias help and obtaining Northern Lebanon. This leaves the South of the Latini River under UN control. Smart thinking I feel. The UN (see above) has the opportunity now to enforce resolutions 1701 and 1757. My thoughts on the outcome of Lebanon is a different topic.

Nuance isn't needed. He has to sound concilliatory and for someone who only has backbone when his political future is at stack that is easy. A more sophisticated audience wouldn't fall for his crap, but the Israeli media and GWB are used to using prostitutes.

It is with much pain that I hear my prime minister "respect" the leader of one of the greatest anti jewish,murderous states of all time. true peace manifests itself in a person or states desire.a simpletom need only take a fleeting glance at syrias venomous anti israeli propaganda ,ongoing support for terror.Their school books do not even acknowledge Israel on their maps. This astounding cognititve dissonance that permeates Israels political "elite" if not changed lead to more innocent deaths as a result of Ohlmerts "respect"

Olmert kissing Assad's behind proves he's an idiot. Syria helps Hezbollah and Hamas, they kill Lebanese politicians and journalists and this twit pays them compliments?

The Golan was part of Palestine till 1922 when the British gave it to the French. Syrian claims are a grey area.

Another Chalabi. A product of his own wishful thinking. A man whose name is completely unknown even by the Syrian intelligentsia. Moreover, if Ghadry thinks that his stock will rise amongst the disaffected Syrians - at home and abroad - by going and brown-nosing various MK's in Knesset sub-committees, calilng for the overthrow of the Syrian régime with all the concomitant bloodshed and the possibility of Syrian becoming the new Iraq - then this simply shows how utterly out of touch he is and how is "philosophy" is self-serving - i.e. he doesn't want Assad to be president but wants Ghadry to be president. Out of touch, space cadet, toady of the US neo-cons - Ghady is not the best think since cheese-cake to happen to Syrians - and Israel would also be well advised to give him a very wide berth as his credibility is sub zero.