Hisham Melhem: "A more sympathetic political leadership in Syria could mean improved dynamics with Lebanon, Palestine, Israel & Iraq ..."

(WINEP)- "... Syrians seeking change have found themselves on what feels like a long and bloody road. Without U.S. intervention, the situation may well remain bloody. Even though President Obama has paid a political price for his timid response to the 2009 demonstrations in Iran, his response to the Syrian situation has been similarly meek. The administration must change course by sending an explicit message promoting change, reform, and accountability, and making clear that mass killings will be met with consequences similar to those now facing Iran, which finds itself increasingly isolated on the international stage.

A more sympathetic political leadership in Syria could mean improved dynamics with Lebanon, Palestine, Israel's peace camp, and Iraq, not to mention freedom for the Syrian people. Because of its location and history, Syria is a pivotal state holding influence throughout the region, and it must be a part of the debate in Washington..."