December 4th, Syria refused to engage Israel in peace talks until it feels it has received sufficient answers to the six specific questions it has regarding the Golan Heights. This report comes after Turkey asked both sides to layout six questions on security and the border integrity pertaining to both countries. Syria has reportedly presented its answers to Turkey, however is still waiting upon answers from Israel.

Samuel Anene

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Turkey is currently serving as a mediator between the two countries, but an official has said that when Barack Obama is inaugurated as President of the United States, he should lead talks between the two countries.

President al-Assad has refused preconditions, which include ceasing support for Hamas and Hezbollah and cutting back ties with Iran.  However, negotiations always start from the extreme versions of demands, so many think that if a deal is close, al-Assad will agree to talk.  Barack Obama has also stated his support for talks before preconditions were met (but stated that he would ask for “preparations,” the semantic difference of which is not yet clear), so his involvement in these talks may indicate this will not be a problem.

Joshua Bark

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The endless complexity of international relations is expressed by a Syrian official who is reported to have complained also about relations between Cuba and the United States. Obama’s administration surely will have a complicated situation on their hands, as relations between Syria and the U.S. have only worsened since the U.S. invasion of Iraq–which Obama did not support. While this may give him credibility with the Syrian government, actions taken in office will surely count for more.  Also, the relationship between Syria and Cuba also shows that issues in Iraq and Syria alone will not be enough to repair the damage between the countries.

Of course, one should not forget about the talks between Israel and Syria regarding the Golan Heights and sponsorship of violence. Syria is also improving its relations with Russia. The U.S. involvement in all of these issues will be central to normalizing relations between Syria and the U.S., and there are many other matters which are currently in play or which will come up in the ensuing years.

Joshua Bark

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The international stage is a problem for these talks as well, as Syria has already stated it is unlikely to reach a deal until the new U.S. presidential administration has taken office.  However, Olmert’s desire for talks for the anticipated three remaining months of his rule can further the process with Syria, and the American elections are coming soon.  A main sticking point on the Syrian side in the memo they sent to Israel is of course regarding the Golan Heights, which Israel captured from Syria in the 1967 War.  The Israelis hope to discuss Syrian support for Iran and Hezbollah.

Joshua Bark

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