Syria: Baker-Hamilton report 'objective and positive'
Source in Syrian Foreign Ministry calls recommendations by Baker-Hamilton committee 'objective and positive' for consideration of Iraq's neighboring countries' role in stabilizing area
Syrian sources announced Thursday that they perceived Wednesday's report - published by the Iraq Study Group committee - to be "objective", particularly in its attribution of responsibility to Iraq's neighbors to ensure the country's security.
Conclusions
Yitzhak Benhorin
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A source in the Syrian government told the AFP news agency that the report was "positive because it takes into consideration all of the issues causing tension and rocking the stability of the Middle East".
The committee, headed by former Secretary of State James Baker and former Democratic Congressman Lee Hamilton, presented its recommendations on Wednesday to United States President George W. Bush, the congress, and the public.
The committee recommended Bush to initiate a diplomatic offense, rather than a military one, which would be launched as of 31 December and would include, among other things, a move towards peace between Israel and the Arab world.
"Our most important recommendations call for new and enhanced diplomatic and political efforts in Iraq and the region, and a change in the primary mission of US forces in Iraq that will enable the United States to begin to move its combat forces out of Iraq responsibly," committee members wrote.
Pushing for shift in troops' role in Iraq
Committee members also claimed that the US could not achieve its goals in the Middle East unless it directly dealt with the Arab-Israeli conflict and regional instability."There must be a renewed and sustained commitment by the United States to a comprehensive Arab-Israeli peace on all fronts: Lebanon, Syria, and President Bush’s June 2002 commitment to a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine. This commitment must include direct talks with, by, and between Israel, Lebanon, Palestinians (those who accept Israel’s right to exist), and Syria," the report explained.
The report also pointed out that given Iran and Syria's ability to influence events within Iraq and their interest in avoiding chaos in Iraq, the US should try to engage them constructively, while providing "additional political, economic, and military support for Afghanistan, including resources that might become available as combat forces are moved out of Iraq".
Another recommendation made by committee members was to turn US forces in Iraq into facilitating forces as opposed to combating forces, "The primary mission of US forces in Iraq should evolve to one of supporting the Iraqi army, which would take over primary responsibility for combat operations."
"It is clear that the Iraqi government will need assistance from the United States for some time to come, especially in carrying out security responsibilities," the report concluded, but added, "The United States must not make an open-ended commitment to keep large numbers of American troops deployed in Iraq."
President George W. Bush with Baker and Hamilton
Photo: Reuters
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