Syrian Foreign Minister at Annapolis: What a Difference Six Months Makes

I want to commend the Administration for conducting a sober, serious, and hopeful conference on Middle East peace today. The task ahead is difficult, but the Israeli-Palestinian dialogue launched by today's conference creates new possibilities that the obstacles will be overcome. One thing is absolutely clear: there can be no peace without dialogue.

In that regard, I was particularly pleased that the Administration invited Syria -- albeit under the guise of its membership in the Arab League "Follow-Up Committee ." And I am pleased that Syria chose to accept the invitation. This invitation constitutes recognition by the Administration that the only hope for peace with Syria is through dialogue, not isolation.

This recognition is belated at best. After all, last spring, the White House press operation vehemently denounced House Speaker Nancy Pelosi for actually wanting to speak with Syrians in Damascus.

The Ann Coulters and Rush Limbaughs of the conservative talk radio circuit went apoplectic. As did, I am sorry to say, the Washington Post editorial board, which called the Speaker's visit "counterproductive and foolish." It was neither. (The critics conveniently ignored the fact that three Republican Members of Congress met with the Syrian President the day before he met with the Speaker, and two more Republicans were in to see him the day after her visit.)

I'm delighted that the Administration, however indirectly, has now acknowledged the error of its ways and has come around to embrace the idea of dialogue. I can only hope it continues down this path -- with Syria, with Iran, and with others.

Comments

[Tankan]

It don't matter who's invited, the only way there'll be peace in the Middle East is if Israel disappears, or as the ever diplomatic peace loving President of Iran said, "wiped off the map". I wonder, could that be why he and Hamas did not receive an invitation?

[ptarantino]

This is not a realistic attempt at peace in the middle-east, because Iran was not invited.

The Bush admin gets 1 point for this summit, they have 9 more to go.

[zenx98]

Condi gets booted out the back door to attend to the unattended festering mideast, because her meddling notions get in the way of the big boy's war stuff. She returns with a silk purse polished out of 7 year policy lapse, (forgive my badly mangled metaphor) and Georgie boy gets all the credit for being the "decider"?!

[MagisterLudi]

Dialog with Syria is a positive step. But Syria being a closed Stalinist society with aggressive tendencies, needs to be negotiated with and contained both militarily and economically.

Looking ahead:
The price for the return of Golan Heights should be:

1.a total and complete and permanent demilitarization of the area once Syrians gets it. Failure to do so would constitute casus belli.
2.Closure of all terrorist offices and support infrastructure for Hezbollah, Hamas and the rest of the terrorist entities so beloved by Syrians.

3. Complete withdrawal and cessation of murder and intimidation campaigns against sovereign Lebanese authorities.

4. Permanent closure of Iraq border on Syrian side to traffic in foreign Jihadists, weapons and weapons entering Iraq.

[Lafinurbis]

I concurr with a fundamental tenet of Mr. Lantos post. It shall thru dialog the way to build the paece.

I have however very little faith in this Bush/ Condi initiative, because IMO it is intended only a a photo op to portrait Bush as the "great peacemaker leader".

I fear nothing good will result out of this other that some fees for the PR consultants.

[jrockbg]

What an interesting perspective on history from the congressman. I can only half-heartedly appreciate the backhanded kudos he gives to the administration.

The issue was not simply Rep. Pelosi visiting Syria, her trip was completely politically motivated. Even Syrian commentators noted, "There was a feeling this visit had more to do with domestic politics than us. If she isn't going to be very different from Bush, then why did she come?" asked Jihad Yaziji in The Syria Report.

She did the trip purely to snub President Bush. It's insane that a sitting Speaker of the House would use a state sponsor of terror to attack her own president.

Also, the concern was a consistency of message to Syria from the US. The Republicans who visited at least ran the agenda of their trip by the White House. Rep. Pelosi did not, which might explain why she accidentally made a statement to the Syrian president that was a reversal of Israel's policy toward Syria!!! Small potatoes to a SOH who uses a terrorist to attack this president.

[Fairfloss]

Nothing like a left-handed compliment, oh, yes there is, but I not allowed to write it here.

[Spookcatcher]

Nice to see that that a few people in Congress incuding Republicans,had read Jimmy Carter's book, and actually are showing some comprehension skills. (Condi Rice included)

[jeskiley]

Laudo means "I praise" in Latin. Oro means "I pray". Someone who speaks, prays,...g­et it?

An(nCoulter)yhoo, just wanted to insert a little monologue here (option 3 to your above mentioned 'dialogue' vs 'isolation­')...I praise you, Representative Lantos, for publically commending the Administration for seeking peace and seeking it well. I feel better knowing 1/435 of this nation's Representatives believe this to be productive and wise. With you guys at the helm, I feel safe.

[liveandlearn]

negotiations over the future of israel and palestine that do not include a representative for hamas are destined to fail.

[Kermugeon]

We can only hope Congressman. In spite of what many of the knee-jerks say about the dearth of diplomacy on the part of the Bush administration I'm a bit more optimistic as Annapolis feels more serious than the weekly slumber parties hosted by the previous administration.

I do disagree however re: Nancy's Syria visit. It's primary purpose seemed to be to embarrass the sitting administration and she only succeeded in making herself appear amateurish (foolish if you will) and elevating the status of a damn nasty dictator.

[joebaggadonuts]

Seven long years of isolationist crap and you want to commend them for putting on a show at the eleventh hour?

Congress has an 11% positive rating for a reason.

[PeterM]

"the Administration, however indirectly, has now acknowledged the error of its ways".

I just burst out laughing when I read this. Recent events indicate that nothing can be further from the truth and considering that this praise comes from someone very heavily invested (together WITH the Bush administration) in Israeli expansionist interests gives it that much less credence. It makes for a great theater drama though!
Bush had 7 years to attempt this and Israel just bombed Syria but suddenly there is a "serious" conference.
IPAC democrats are as trustworthy when it comes to ME policies as the Bush junta.