"Political observers can only admire the way in which Damascus is bringing together its regional political cards, and its proficiency in dealing with the contradictions and conflicting forces [in the region], as well as its ability to overcome crises that seem grave and capable of toppling any regime. The best example of this can be seen in what happened over the past few days. At the same time that dozens of cooperation agreements were being signed during Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri's visit [to Damascus] following years of tense relations with Lebanon and the March 14 Alliance, Syria was also holding meetings between Iraqi rivals Iyad Allawi and Muqtada al-Sadr, in what appeared to be western-backed Syrian mediation to help solve the deadlock with regards to the formation of the new government of Iraq, which is a process that has been stalled for months.
Syria's relations with Lebanon.... and accusations ..... with Baghdad and the US forces in Iraq accusing Damascus of facilitating the entry of insurgents and suicide bombers [into Iraq]......Damascus developed good political and economic relations with Turkey, which had previously deployed its troops along the Syrian border during the presidency of Hafez al-Assad,...... with Iran, despite the strong ideological differences between the Iranian and Syrian regimes...... Washington is keen to open channels with Damascus as part of a policy that aims to exert influence on Syria's [political] inclination through dialogue and pressure,.. also a policy that is being pursued by Europe. However there is still Israel and the issue of the occupation of the Golan Heights .......
How is Damascus able to bring together all of these contradictions and play its cards in this manner? Is this skill, or a special kind of shrewdness, or cunning, as some like to suggest?
Certainly there is a certain pragmatic shrewdness. However [Syria's] policy is not governed by shrewdness alone, but rather the countries geographic location,.... Damascus has benefited from this strategic position and its importance with regards to the security of this region, whether internationally or regionally ..."
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"Syria was also holding meetings between Iraqi rivals Iyad Allawi and Muqtada al-Sadr, in what appeared to be western-backed Syrian mediation to help solve the deadlock with regards to the formation of the new government of Iraq."
Wow.
The US turning to Syria for help in breaking the deadlock in Iraq? Shows how desperate they are.
Of course looks like Allawi will become the next Iraqi Prime Minister. Since he spent his last term as PM mainly blaming Iran for the violence in Iraq not great news for Iran.
Since he is also close to MI6 (his wife and kids still living in London) and got the Sunni bloc on his side, the Americans should he happy with the outcome.
Of course looks like Allawi and Assad managed to convince Al Sadr to forget about the whole Allawi trying to eliminate Al Sadr in air-strikes on Najaf affair (which wounded Al Sadr).
Guess the famous saying is back "Allawi is Saddam without the moustache".
Peace.
Gonzolegend.
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