"CIA analysts: Syrian-North Korean connection was based entirely on chemical and missile supply and was in the process of being wound down"

Excerpts from the Middle East Policy Survey:

"key members of the US intelligence community, often skeptical of Israeli fears of their neighbors' military
prowess, down played the possibility that North Korea was engaged in a serious effort to help Syria develop a nuclear capability. According to reliable sources, as recently as the beginning of September, CIA analysts were arguing that the Syrian-North Korean connection was based entirely on chemical and missile supply and, in fact, was in the process of being wound down. "We were told that there had been a falling out between North Korea and Syria just days before the Israeli raid," said one well-informed source..."

"...There have been reports that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad had to be talked out of attempting to retaliate militarily. And earlier this week, Israeli Prime Minster Olmert pointedly talked about his willingness once again to begin peace negotiations with Syria..."

"...However, among those who deal with a wide range of issues, there is wide spread agreement that Israel's military operation was designed to accomplish more than merely undermining any nascent Syrian nuclear program. Since its spotty performance in the conflict last summer with Hezbollah, top Israeli military and civilian officials have been concerned about damage suffered to its deterrent image. They believe that the Syrians have concluded that they, too, could wage a successful "low intensity" conflict with Israel. "This was a much needed demonstration of strength," concluded one sympathetic US official..."

".. While the Israeli concern about Syria's role in Lebanon hasbeen mostly confined to its support of Hezbollah, senior Israeli officials fear that, as one expert put it this week, "We willwake up one morning and find [the current pro-western LebanesePrime Minister Fouad) Siniora gone." It is a fear also shared in Washington, as this week yet another pro-government legislatorwas assassinated in Beirut..."

"... President Bush, together with French President Sarkozy, is expected to issue a statement next week calling on all parties involved to allow free and fair elections, without intimidation and foreign interference, the latter, a code word for Syrian intervention.."