Opinion  Ron Ben-Yishai
Where has the tension with Syria gone?
Ron Ben-Yishai
Published: 30.08.07, 07:13
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8 Talkbacks for this article
1. Too many guesses on both sides...
woww ,   LA   (08.30.07)
...but they might actually to be proven right. Again a mutual understanding of how to read between the lines would be beneficial to both. Appearance is a key factor only in Syria, Israel needs deeds and in exchange she'll go along with the theatrics if necessary.
2. Defense
Brenda ,   London, Canada   (08.30.07)
Is it a coincidence that the talk happened the same time the defense department was asking for more money and exaggerating the number of draft dodgers? Also, the US made a defense deal with Israel. As for the media, any threat of war, they're like a dog with a bone. Never willing to think people might not be stupid. Both sides bleed in the Second Lebanon War. Both sides would bleed in a Israel-Syria war.
3. Humans suffer from pride.
Giles Martin ,   Orlando, USA   (08.30.07)
True, I wouldn't trust him to examine my eyes, but Assad is just a man with all a man's frailties. Succeptable to influence, mindful of his pride, and corrupt--no more so than his opposition. If one fears an attack, one prepare for it. I hope the dialogue between nations continues, even if it has to be through backdoor channels... neither nation can really afford an extra war.
4. Barak gambles with the security of the state
(08.30.07)
5. Assad
Yisraeli   (08.30.07)
You missed an over-riding factor in your analysis. Your assuming it was all in Assads corner to go to war or not. It isnt. Its Iran not Syria. Iran is the one looking for a fight and mostly at Syrias expense. Its only a question of when Iran feels its ready to inflict a major blow on Israel that in its mind will dismantle the state. Its a coming, Assad or no Assad. As long as Iran is ruled by the ayatollahs its a guarenteed bet. After all they have .........allah on their side right? Monkeydinijad hasnt just been blabbering his mouth off, his intentions and the ayatollahs are clear and they feel reasonably confident now as the USA are not just bogged down in Iraq but are perceived to be losing. Only a question of when.
6. #5 Correct!
Thomas ,   Cleveland, USA   (08.30.07)
If you remove the Iranian factor, Syria and Hezbolah are no longer supplied and will not be helped. Think of that. Efforts should be made to get the Ayatollahs out of power by some kind of resistance, I understand among quite a few segments of Iranian society they are quite unpopular.
7. Who is a expert who knows RIGHT ???
M. Segal ,   mpls america   (08.30.07)
Are any Israeli leaders Moses Joshua who knows who may see vision prophetize ahead sure Russia is dealing with Syria again old news media stuff coverage but who knows not exactly any body with lots of experience predict did America predict 9 11 2001 what Israeli may predict September 2007 RIGHT ??? answer is none nada zilch so vague generalitys any body may give tell me are not expert appraisals worth the money 1 thing is certain the tensions still exist as Russia continues to supply Syria who knows when POOF BOOM may ignite another middle east war who predicted Lebanon 2006 no body RIGHT ??? THANK YOU... M. Segal
8. Iran and Syria are buying the Hamas time
Israel   (08.31.07)
Pretty soon we will have 2 or even three fronts to deal with - and Israel's leaders keep chasing the illusion that turning Abbas, the paper tiger, into a real tiger, is the solution. Sharon let the Hamas in and Olmert handed them the keys.
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