Syria has been brilliant at creating and maintaining such Catch-22 situations, where the only way to "solve" a problem is to buy Syrian "cooperation" with deals that would make things worse. Syria has acted as the arsonist who sets the fire, then has played the role of fireman who would put it out only on condition that the burning property be given to it. This was how Syria fomented terrorism in Lebanon against Western peacekeeping forces in the early 1980s, driving them out and then offering to stabilize Lebanon by controlling it completely. Look, I realize I'm telling you to "eat your peas" here, that hardly anyone wants to confront Syria. But there aren't any good options. Lebanon, Israel, and Iraq can continue suffering Damascus-sponsored terrorists attacks, they can make a "deal" and surrender to Assad what he wants, or they can push back. That's all there is. Convincing him to be a good boy and an all-around pal over tea isn't an option. |
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