Time to engage Syria
Israel has little to lose from initiating a dialogue with Syria. The timing may seem odd, yet it is precisely at this juncture that a window of opportunity has arisen for Israel to alter the environment in its favor
Peretz, who has demonstrated keen survival skills, has now distanced himself from the remarks he made last week, while Dichter may jeopardize his future in Kadima if he does not do likewise.
In truth, their instincts were right: Talking with Syria is not a popular notion right now, but it is the smart thing to do.
Little to lose
Israel has little to lose from initiating a dialogue with Syrian President Bashar Assad.
The timing may seem odd – even inappropriate – in the aftermath of the recent war with Hizbullah, Syria’s proxy army in Lebanon. Yet it is precisely at this juncture that a window of opportunity has arisen for Israel to alter the environment in its favor.
Syria’s international isolation in recent years has only served to embolden Assad’s extremist policies. The West has stood by helplessly as it has watched him forge a dangerous liaison with the fanatic regime in Iran – that other implacable foe that is on its way to becoming a nuclear power.
The Iran-Syria nexus is perilous, as we have already seen, but let us not be mistaken: it is not a deep, unshakeable alliance; it can be cracked, and Israel is best equipped to do so.
The Golan Heights
Israel has something that no other country – not Iran, not France, and not even the United States – can match, and that is, of course, the Golan Heights. A complete withdrawal from the Golan has always been the price demanded by Syria for peace with Israel.
The strategic value of holding on to the Golan is dubious in the age of missiles; it pales in comparison with the strategic benefits Israel would accrue from peaceful relations with all of its immediate neighbors.
In the wake of the damage done by Hizbullah in the recent war, the greatest challenge that Israeli military planners currently face is how to counter and deter future such attacks. Increasingly sophisticated and effective methods to prevent terrorist attacks from the north will be a critical component of success in this regard.
Ultimately, Hizbullah will be dealt a decisive blow if military sophistication is accompanied by political savvy. Hizbullah will survive additional air attacks and even a hypothetical ground war.
It will not survive, however, without continued Syrian logistical support. It is imperative, therefore, that Israel engage Syria. Despite his stated opposition, Prime Minister Olmert would be wise to embrace this idea before the window of opportunity closes and a new, more devastating war ensues.
Peace diplomacy with loathsome leaders should not be seen as a gift to Israel’s enemies, but rather as a vital tool to strengthen Israel’s security.
Guy Ziv is a doctoral candidate in political science at the University of Maryland. He is writing his dissertation on hawkish decision-makers who turn to dovish policies
