A Peek into Others' mind » September 5, 2008

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September 06, 2008
6:45
Iran to open 'Persian Garden' study center
» ‎ Persian Journal

Iran to open 'Persian Garden' study center
6:45
Iranian filmmaker Samira Makhmalbaf to judge at Pusan filmfest
» ‎ Persian Journal

Iranian filmmaker Samira Makhmalbaf to judge at Pusan filmfest
6:45
Iranian women battle the system
» ‎ Persian Journal

Iranian women battle the system
6:45
Terps Talking to Iranian Import
» ‎ Persian Journal

Terps Talking to Iranian Import
6:45
'The Iranian people are our sisters and brothers'
» ‎ Persian Journal

'The Iranian people are our sisters and brothers'
6:45
Iran's coach Ali Daei promises 'nothing but victory'
» ‎ Persian Journal

Iran's coach Ali Daei promises 'nothing but victory'
6:45
Iran 'Indigenous Fighter' Jets by 2009
» ‎ Persian Journal

Iran 'Indigenous Fighter' Jets by 2009
6:45
Iran strike a costly attempt to buy time
» ‎ Persian Journal

Iran strike a costly attempt to buy time
6:45
Iran slams French 'green light' for Israeli strike
» ‎ Persian Journal

Iran slams French 'green light' for Israeli strike
6:45
Iran open to talks if U.S. alters policy
» ‎ Persian Journal

Iran open to talks if U.S. alters policy
6:45
Bolivia moving Mideast embassy to Iran from Egypt
» ‎ Persian Journal

Bolivia moving Mideast embassy to Iran from Egypt
6:45
Iran: Oil price of $100 pb "appropriate"
» ‎ Persian Journal

Iran: Oil price of $100 pb "appropriate"
6:45
Sweden blasts Iran for sending women rights activist to jail
» ‎ Persian Journal

Sweden blasts Iran for sending women rights activist to jail
6:45
France gives boost to Israeli-Syrian talks
» ‎ Persian Journal

France gives boost to Israeli-Syrian talks
6:45
The light shines on Damascus
» ‎ Persian Journal

The light shines on Damascus
6:45
Vote Keep America Alive
» ‎ Persian Journal

Vote Keep America Alive
6:45
Iranian Islands of Persian Gulf (Abu Musa, Greater Tunb & Lesser Tunb)
» ‎ Persian Journal

Iranian Islands of Persian Gulf (Abu Musa, Greater Tunb & Lesser Tunb)
6:45
Saudi coup against King Abdullah fails
» ‎ Persian Journal

Saudi coup against King Abdullah fails
6:45
Israel and Iran, At each other's throats
» ‎ Persian Journal

Israel and Iran, At each other's throats
6:45
Iran's drama in FIFA rankings continues
» ‎ Persian Journal

Iran's drama in FIFA rankings continues

6:45
هلوسة و شخبرة: دمشق في آخر ساعة: خيانة الهلالات
» ‎ Syria Planet

طقس جديد بدأ بموج على شرفات منازل "الشام الجديدة". ستُفاجأ كل من أمضى رمضانات بعيدا عن ها هنا فيعود ليرى أن طقوسا جديدة قد ُأضيفت على هذا الشهر. من دون علمه!0
"ياللخيانة " هكذا فكرت.
على كل شرفة هلال يتدلى من على جدران المنازل! و نجوم ترمي بوميضها على السماء. 0
بهرني هذا الطقس الجديد.بدت لي كزينة الكريسماس . طقس جديد قد اُعتنق واعتقد أنه سيأخذ شكلا أبهج و يمتد إلى باقي المحافظات قريبا .ومع كل هذا الوميض ومضت في ذاكرتي كل تلك الرمضانات الأخيرة التي امضيتها هنا قبل الدخول في مرحلة الاغتراب ،عندما كان يلتقي رمضان و عيد الميلاد في نفس الشهر. لكم كان مشهد شرفات دمشق ستبدو خيالية لو التقت الهلالات بالمغارة والصلبان .

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6:45
OkBaH - متابعات عقبة: رمضان في كل مكان إلا في تركستان
» ‎ Syria Planet

الخبر ليس جديدا على أهل هذا الإقليم المسلم و إن كان البعض يسمع لأول مرة بتركستان الشرقية أو ربما لثاني مرة بعد متابعاته الألعاب الأولمبية في بيجين! فمسلمو هذا الإقليم ممن يعرفون بالإيغور مرت عليهم عقود طويلة عانوا فيها ويلات المحتل الصيني والروسي ثم ظلم ومجازر شيوعيو الصين الذين خفضوا نسبتهم إلى 40% من سكان [...]
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6:45
أحمد نذير بكداش: Welcome SkyDrive, Goodbye RapidShare
» ‎ Syria Planet

الكثير من الناس يرفع ملفاته علي موقع RapidShare هذا الموقع اصبح مثل InternetExplorer عندما بدأت خدمة SkyDrive لرفع الملفات هذه الخدمة خاصة بالـ Hotmail. مميزات SkyDrive: 1. كلمة المرور هي نفس كلمة مرور بريدك علي الـ Hotmail. 2. يعطيك 5 جيجا مساحة. 3. تستطيع عمل Folders وتضع الملفات بداخلها. 4. يعطيك رابط خلاصات لكل Folder. …………………………. 5. تستطيع أخذ منه روابط مباشرة, [...]
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6:45
Syria Comment: Sarkozy in Syria
» ‎ Syria Planet

An Israeli partner is needed
05/09/2008
By Haaretz Editorial

Yesterday's four-way summit in Damascus was one of this region's most important diplomatic events for some time. It is not merely Bashar Assad's newfound standing because of the French attitude to Syria, but a new strategic opportunity.

However, Syria's changed international position is in itself significant. After all, Syria has ridiculed the sanctions imposed on it by Washington, and it is doubtful whether any international player will now seriously demand the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1559, passed four years ago, which serves as the basis for the international community's demand that Hezbollah be disarmed.

But this time Israel cannot be angry with the French. After all, it did an about-face as well when it began an indirect dialogue with Syria, which is meant to turn into direct talks at a later stage. In this Israel diverged from the normal framework, under which its relations with the countries in the region are coordinated with the United States. This is even more blatant in the case of Syria, as Israeli lobbying significantly affected American attitudes toward Damascus.

However, beyond the settling of scores between Jerusalem, Washington and Paris, the dialogue with Syria has opened a serious new window of opportunity. Assad claims to have presented a number of practical proposals for continuing negotiations, and has announced that he would like to hold direct talks after the U.S. elections. By this he is openly exhibiting his expectations that the Americans will be partners. No less important is the businesslike tone of his comments about Syrian contacts with Israel. It is encouraging that in addition to the French president, the ruler of Qatar and the prime minister of Turkey - the country that has hosted the indirect talks - have highlighted the negotiations with Israel in their talks in Damascus.

Of course, the concerns and suspicions raised by the opponents of dialogue with Syria should not be ignored. Most importantly, it is important to evaluate the price Israel will have to pay for an agreement with Syria. But there will be time for this when the direct negotiations begin and the Israeli public, which recognizes that Israel will have to withdraw from the Golan Heights, learns what it will get in return.

In the meantime, it seems that if there is an obstacle to the talks, it comes from the Israeli side. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, who initiated the dialogue, is about to end his tenure, so the status of the person responsible for the negotiations is unclear. This situation has already broken the talks' continuity. Every effort must be taken to ensure that this break will be short, because it is vital that the meetings keep their momentum.

But removing bureaucratic obstacles slowing the dialogue is not enough. This is the time to demand from Kadima's candidates for prime minister, and from its coalition partners, to take a clear public stance on the results this dialogue might produce. Are they thinking about continuing the process begun by Olmert? Can Israeli citizens expect a future of positive diplomatic results that will end the long war against Syria and its partners in Lebanon? The answer to both these questions needs to be affirmative if the Kadima and Labor candidates want the public's support.

Peres proposes direct talks with Syria
By Guy Dinmore in Cernobbio, Italy
September 5 2008 15:50 | Financial Times

Syria and Israel should hold direct talks in Jerusalem or Damascus, Shimon Peres, the Israeli president, proposed on Friday.

Mr Peres, who holds a largely ceremonial role as president, extended an invitation to Syria’s Bashar al-Assad with Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian president, beside him as they debated the prospects for peace at the annual Ambrosetti conference on the shores of Italy’s Lake Como.

Drawing comparisons with the visit to Jerusalem by Egypt’s Anwar Sadat in 1977, followed by the late King Hussein of Jordan, Mr Peres said that if President Assad visited Israel or invited the Israeli prime minister to Syria then “we shall see a major change”.

Richard Holbrooke, a former senior US diplomat who was moderating the debate, pressed Mr Peres on whether he had formally extended an invitation. Mr Peres indicated that he had made a gesture, although he quoted Mr Assad as expressing the view that negotiations would not take place while the present US administration was in place…..

“We are on the waiting list,” Mr Peres said, alluding to the presence in Damascus this week of Nicolas Sarkozy, the French president, and Turkey’s mediating role.

Raed Rafei in Beirut reporting for LA Times Blog writes:

Beyond political statements, the French-Syrian talks had a business dimension.

Sarkozy and Assad signed seven agreements on cooperation in the fields of petroleum, gas, electricity and railways, according to the official Syrian news agency, SANA. The agreements involve big French companies such as Total, the oil multinational, and aircraft manufacturer Airbus.

In an article published recently by the Washington-based Middle East Times, Andrew D. Bishop wrote that economic interests may well be behind France’s overtures toward Syria:

“Sarkozy's kind words and gentle moves toward Damascus are perhaps meant to open doors to fresh markets for France's corporate mammoths. … Assad is seeking to revamp his country's economy, and Sarkozy intends on lending him the hand he needs.”

France’s Total has signed three oil and gas agreements with Syria during the visit of French President Nicolas Sarkozy to the country. (Tehran Times)

Syria in talks to buy Airbus jets
By Andrew England in Damascus and Ben Hall and Peggy Hollinger in Paris
September 3 2008 22:14 | Financial Times

President Nicolas Sarkozy began a two-day visit to Damascus on Wednesday as the French government confirmed that “exploratory discussions” had taken place with Syria over its desire to buy Airbus passenger jets.

Bashar al-Assad, the Syrian president, is hoping that Mr Sarkozy’s visit – the first by a western leader for several years – will help secure his tentative return to the international fold.

But the preliminary talks about the potential sale of Airbus aircraft to Syrianair will add to sensitivities over Mr Sarkozy’s initiative, particularly in Washington. The US has a trade embargo against Syria and Airbus jets contain many US-made components.

Airbus, in partnership with Northrop Grumman, is still hoping to win a $35bn (€24bn, £20bn) deal to supply air-to-air refuelling tankers to the US airforce and any controversy over potential sales by the company to Syria could bolster supporters of rival bidder Boeing.

An Airbus spokesman said: “We are always in discussion with any potential customer. But there is no proposal and no deal and we cannot comment on any early stage of discussion.”

But a senior French official said: “These are exploratory discussions. One of the elements will be to know, when the moment comes, what will be the position of the US. But we are not at that stage as far as I know.”……….

Sarkozy warns Iran it risks Israeli attack
[www.reuters.com]
By Francois Murphy and Emmanuel Jarry
Reuters, September 4, 2008

DAMASCUS (Reuters) - French President Nicolas Sarkozy warned Iran on Thursday it was taking a dangerous gamble in seeking to develop nuclear weapons because one day its arch-foe Israel could strike.

Western powers accuse Iran of seeking the atom bomb under the cover of a civilian nuclear program but Tehran denies the charge, insisting it only wants to master atomic technology in order to generate electricity.

The United States and Israel have not ruled out military action if the dispute cannot be settled through diplomacy.

"Iran is taking a major risk in continuing the process to obtain a military nuclear capacity," Sarkozy told a meeting in Damascus with the leaders of Syria, Turkey and Qatar.

"One day, whatever the Israeli government, we could find one morning that Israel has struck," Sarkozy added.

"The question is not whether it would be legitimate, whether it would be intelligent. What will we do at that moment? It would be a catastrophe. We must avoid that catastrophe," Sarkozy told the meeting in comments broadcast on television.

Speculation about a possible attack on Iran's nuclear facilities has risen since Israel staged an air force exercise in June which was reported to be a simulation of a strike against Iran…

The Lebanese ruling majority accused Syrian President Bashar Assad of interfering in Lebanese internal affairs and not recognizing Lebanon's sovereignty, local press Naharnet reported Friday. (China)

A statement issued by the ruling majority on Thursday night said Assad has no right to ask the Lebanese president to send Lebanese army units to northern Lebanon, and such a request is an "interference in Lebanese internal affairs, and result from non-recognition of Lebanon's sovereignty and independence."

The statement also said such an request is "an insult to Lebanese president."

Assad Thursday said at a press conference that he had told the Lebanese president during the latter's visit to Damascus to send more troops to northern Lebanon to stop clashes between Sunnis and Alawites in Tripoli and some villages of Akkar province.

During the past three months, clashes between the two sects in northern Lebanon have left more than 23 people killed and hundred others wounded.

'Commandos nearly exposed in Syria'
By DAVID HOROVITZ
Jerusalem Post, September 5, 2008

Aware that some members of both the American and the Israel intelligence community were not entirely convinced that President Bashar Assad was building a nuclear facility in the summer of 2007, Israel in mid-August sent 12 members of the Sayeret Matkal commando unit into Syria in two helicopters to collect soil samples outside the nuclear site. But the commandos' mission was almost exposed when a Syrian patrol drove past the landing site where the helicopters were parked.

This is one of the dramatic revelations contained in a new book by Israeli journalist Ronen Bergman that is being published next week in the US…………

Tripoli - US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice met with her Libyan counterpart on Friday after she arrived here on a landmark visit to discuss ways to boost cooperation between the two countries.

Rice and Libyan Foreign Minister Abdul Rahman Shulqum expressed satisfaction over improving bilateral relations. They discussed economic cooperation between the two countries, especially in the oil sector. "We tackled several important issues during the meeting, like Iraq, Palestine, Lebanon, US-Syrian relations and Syria's role in the Arab world," Shulqum told the official JANA news agency.

Shulqum said Rice commented "on the progress of the relations between our countries and that presence of a deep political dialogue." During her five-hour visit, Rice is scheduled to meet Libyan President Moamer Gaddafi before she holds a press conference.

She has also been invited to visit the house where the Libyan leader's adopted daughter died in a US air raid on Tripoli in 1986.

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6:45
بقليلٍ مِن ... تستطيع ...: إنسان
» ‎ Syria Planet

بصرخة مكتومة … علا الصوت … وصوت صفعة غطت على الموسيقا التي تعزف في الخلفية … وكم تمنت في تلك اللحظة أن يلف الصمت المشهد لأن صوت الصفعة كان أعلى من أي صوت آخر … ربما , موقف في العمل … ربما , مشادة مع شرطي مرور (مرتشي دوماً) … وربما , لم يعد يحبني ؟ … سألت [...]
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6:45
أمواج اسبانية في فرات الشام: Habana Blues
» ‎ Syria Planet

Arenas de Soledad- Habana Blues
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6:45
مرة أخرى ..... ولكن: فرهاد حسّو
» ‎ Syria Planet

“بعد الصحوة كانت السّاعة السّابعة بتوقيت الغيوم المطرّزة بآخر سُلالة من أشعة شمس ذلك النهار، جلس (جكر) يتأمّل فجوات الغيوم الصيفيّة الّتي راحت غيمة فغيمة تنقل صور السّماء تلك السّاعة فبدت وكأنها المرّة الأولى الّتي يرى فيها جكر أطراف الغيوم المذهّبة كثوب (روكن) الجميل.
ما بين صمت السّابعة وكلام (روكن) المسجّل في ذاكرته المُفجعة مرت صور الأيام الأوُل للقاءاتهما، ثم لحقتها صور المحاولات المتكرّرة لاستمالته لها نحو تخوم حبِّه المؤكّد بالزواج، آخر صورة كانت لغرفة الوداع في قصر (بافي شيرو).
ترك (جكر) النافذة مفتوحة لتنقل رياحُ الصيف أحلام العاشقين اليائسين في عتمة ليل متواطئ معها طوعاً.
“بدت (روكن) في أجمل شكل قد تظهر فيه، يحيط بها القماش الأبيض الذي يرسم حدود فستان العرس الأنيق وإلى جانبها (جكر) الّذي ما انفك يقرأ التعويذات كي يُبعد الحسد الأسود عن ثنائية فرحهما الورديّ.
الكل يرقص في هذه السّاعة وثمّة رجال ينتزعون الأسلاك الشائكة ويصنعون جسوراً من تويجات الزّهر متقاطعة مع آثار الحدود المتبقيّة قي شكل قُطب جراحيّة لجرحٍ قديمٍ.
خطوة خطوتان والثالثة استقرّت على لغم منسيّ منذ زمن الموت الإصطناعيّ”.
انزلق (جكر) من سريره مرعوباً كعادته, أشعل مصباح الغرفة ثم أغلق باب البيت مغادراً, كان بينه وبين موعد لقاءه (سيارش) ساعة كاملة عندما وجد نفسه في المكان المتّفق عليه في آخر شارع قصر (بافي شيرو).”

فرهاد حسو

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6:45
Ahmad Edilbi's Blog |: marketing
» ‎ Syria Planet

كان المشهد في الفيلم السينمائي يعرض تلك الفنانة، وهي تتحدث إلى عامل لديها، جاءها يطلب منها أن تأوي في بيتها بنت يتيمة مسكينة، فشل هذا العامل في حمايتها من فساد شباب المنطقة التي يسكن فيها، حين آواها في غرفة صغيرة أعلى البيت الذي فيه يسكن. سألته الفنانة: أليس في منطقتكم رجالا يحمون هذه البنت من [...]
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6:45
Black Iceஐ: The story of my cousin, Deen.
» ‎ Syria Planet

Deen's father relocated from Jordan to America plenty years back. He married an American lady and had Deen from her. Later, complications began between the married couple and Deen's father left them. He moved back to Jordan and decided to forget about the biggest regret of his life. And he did a good job at it. He lost connection with his American ex-wife and Deen!

Deen grew up without a father while his father re-married years later in Jordan. As soon as Deen grew up to realize being fatherless he began his endless search for his father. He continuously failed at his search. Until... he got in touch with my family at the age of 29.

We invited him over and he accepted our invitation. His first visit was awkward. We didn't know where he stood in life and what his life was really all about. But instead of questioning his position in life we tried to introduce ours to him. After all, we are family.

We smoothly introduced him to our cultures and values. He ate from our table and observed us while we prayed. We didn't leave anything from the usual, we showed it all to him. We then got in touch with his father in Jordan and arranged the chance for them to speak over the phone. He remained a casual guest for quite sometime.

One day, Deen came over and began to ask more and more about what he had observed in our household. He needed answers, he was hungry for truth. He said the way we didn't judge him and welcomed him so warmly impressed him. The way our home was cozy and the family atmosphere overlooked everything were all reasons to why he decided to learn more about Islam.
To that sentence we all became alarmed. Each of us gave him our best suggestions. We bought him books, we sent him emails, we showed him what we all valued most. He was convinced to have found what he needed most and slowly, one after another; he left the bar he worked at. He ended his relationship with his girl friend, asked her to move out of his house and gave his dog away. He wanted to start a new life.

My grandmother stressed how important it is for Deen to be forgiving to his father and suggested he reads "yussef" from the holy Quran. She explained how sometimes there's a lot more to a story and one side isn't enough to judge or blame.

Deen converted. He began to pray five times a day. He educated himself in Islam. He began to fast. He learned to write and read Arabic. He visited Syria and Jordan. He married a Muslim lady and today.... we received a call from him thanking us.

For what? "For changing my life," he said. He had come to realize with his daughter's (Maryam) arrival, how it all started with a simple visit and how his life could have been and what it came to. He mentioned he read his 4 day old daughter, soret Maryam from the Quran so she could understand why he named her that.

If Deen could change his life around. If he could let go of the life he lead before and start from scratch. If he could learn a whole new character and implement it to his everyday life... I could certainly lead a better life as well and have Deen be my role model like I was once his. We all need incentives and this is why I share this story here.
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6:45
Mariyah's Blog: Ramadan at Home
» ‎ Syria Planet

When the brain and the belly are burning from fasting, every moment a new song rises out of the fire. – Rumi (from On Fasting)

Honestly, for several weeks now I’ve been wracking my brain trying to think of something to write. I like to keep my blog current but what’s the use in rambling about something inconsequential? I could talk about my screen door that squeaks irritatingly each time I go onto the balcony, I could talk about the little spot of mold in the corner of my bathroom that won’t go away no matter how much I bleach it, or maybe I could tantalize you with tales of the annoying carpet that lies in the front hall and never fails to trip me on the way by. No? Well, the fasting, unlike as promised by Rumi, has not summoned the muses in anyway.

I know, I know, I’m completely missing the point. Well, I’m not really. I’m grateful to be with my family after spending so many Ramadan holidays away from them. Damascus is a wondrous place during this time – especially the bakeries and sweet shops! For my Canadian friends to appreciate, it’s like Christmas here! While in Canada, it was a struggle to celebrate, with any kind of enthusiasm, one of the largest observance in the Muslim calendar. Of course going to Mosque, the Iftar and Eid ul-Fitr meals at the community hall, and getting together with other Muslims was uplifting at best. I don’t mean to underrate the experience in Canada - the sense of community that was created by the holiday was very meaningful for those of us who were missing family. But here it’s different. Its more than just getting together with those who have something in common with you. It’s amazing and very special.

Spiritually I am truly awestruck and inspired by the generosity of my fellow countrymen at this time. From this, I can honestly say I get a renewed faith in mankind. Neighbor helping neighbor - or even more than that, a complete stranger - the downtrodden and the hopeless given a second thought, burying the hatchet between those who have fought and lost touch; these amongst many other acts of kindness and community, are gratifying in a way that transcends my regular outlook on life and the general state of the world – or our little part of it. What if we carried this throughout the year? Of course, a good Muslim should – actually a good human should. (Risk of being preachy but isn’t intended…thinking more about my own actions). But once the holidays are over its easy to be consumed by the rigors of everyday life and to find difficulty in rising above it to see beyond those in the inner circle of our lives.

Ramadan has its basic meaning that is common to all of us, but beyond that it has a slightly different meaning to each of us. To one it may be a time for absolution, for another it may be a time for family, to another it’s perhaps a time for spiritual re-awakening, and the list goes on. It could be a combination of all of the above or just one that is particularly sacred to us. Anyway, enough conjecture – I know only what it means to me. This year, I am experiencing it as though it were the first time again. It has provided a great time for reflection and introspection as well as reading and enjoying leisure activities – and most importantly spending quality time with those I love.

Well, I guess Rumi was right after all. After re-reading this post I actually surprised myself. I didn’t think I had that much to say about Ramadan, or about anything, but why wouldn’t I? Sometimes words can come out of just writing. There was a bit of a song rising from the fire. Oh and what a fire it is! I never quite get used to it…but enough complaining. Ramadan Kareem to all my fellow Muslims and friends. May the month be a blessing upon you.
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6:45
Maysaloon - ميسلون: A view from the Israeli military's perspective
» ‎ Syria Planet

Paul Wood from the BBC reported on a conference by a top Israeli military official. In contrast to all the fluffy pageantry of peace we are presented with on a daily basis, the view he has presented is sobre, uncomfortable - and real. When comfortable Arabs who can afford to own pretty things tell me, "Israel is here to stay" I know there is little useful in what they have to say. When I read the opening statement of this BBC article, I know the Israelis are serious:

Israelis sometimes say they can lose only one war. They worry that defeat could mean the destruction of their state.

It is also interesting to know that Jordan and Egypt are still considered enemies, which is a wise thing to do considering how quickly things can reverse in both those countries. As for the country's most serious threats, Iran is top of the list but I was surprised to see al-Qaeda on there. It could be there for the Americans; Sharon was quick to try to connect Israel's war against the Palestinian people with America's so-called "War on Terror" and if that is the case then it is not so surprising that he would include it on the list. The 'talks' which are said to be taking place now about a possible Syrian-Israeli peace agreement are dismissed and trivialised. Hezbullah is a mortal enemy of Israel and the fact that Syria continues to arm them whilst holding these talks means that it is not serious. He also called Abu Mazen (Mahmoud Abbas) a "chief with no Indians" who could lose the West Bank to Hamas should the Israelis stop supporting him.

The article also confirmed what many people already know, Israel will attack Lebanon again, and this time it will be much worse. This does not mean that they were not trying hard enough last time, only that lessons had now been learnt. While a politician can get away with painting defeat as victory or vice-versa, the army cannot afford such luxuries and when it has been beaten it ignores the lessons to its own peril. Sadly, these 'lessons' mean that the Israelis will just kill more people the next time they attack:

The damage to Lebanon wasn't enough to deter [Hezbollah last time]... when the terrorists become the government, the list of targets is longer

So the Lebanese government, following the purge of a few months back, is now composed of terrorists and Israel has lost its main partner on the inside. It also clearly insinuates that the policy of the Israeli military is that of collective-punishment, illegal under the laws of war and the Geneva conventions.

On another note, he was well aware of the ways that Iran could retaliate should Israel decide to attack and made the prudent observation that Iran can hurt the Americans in Iraq too. Note the cosying up of the Americans to Iran recently. All in all, to read something coming directly from the mouth of someone in the top levels of Israel's military establishment was interesting, but not because it contained anything new.

They are building their forces and are not yet ready to strike.
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6:45
Mr. Blond Blog: أعدت للمجاهدين
» ‎ Syria Planet

جاء شهر رمضان في هذه السنة في أيام قائظة جافة، فانضم الصوم إلى جانب الجهد والاستطلاع والأنشطة العسكرية المختلفة فزاد المجاهدين جهدا فوق جهد، إلا أن شعوراً بالبرودة كان يسري في العروق و الأعصاب، إحساساً رحمانياً يعيشه المجاهدون الصائمون، وهو الرضى بالنفس والاطمئنان إلى ما هي عليه .. عندما يمكن تصور مقدار ثواب مجاهد صائم إذا استشهد وهو على هذا الحال !؟.

لقد انصرف الجميع إلى أعمالهم المعتادة .. إلا مسؤول المطبخ الذي كان بين الفينة والأخرى يخرج وينظر إلى الأفق الغربي، لم يكن ينتظر غروب الشمس وحلول الإفطار .. فلم يفهم معنى قلقه ذاك إلا القليل، وحين اقتربت ساعة الإفطار وصار الوقت عصراً استبد به القلق وأخذ يشاركه فيه بعض الإخوة الآخرين في المطبخ .. إن بعض المواقع لا يوجد فيها إلا المعلبات و المجاهدون فيها صائمون .. والطعام الطازج هنا بكميات وفيرة اضافة إلى الفواكه والحلوى .. أيعقل أن يفطروا على المعلبات !! و الطريق يسيطر عليه العدو بنيرانه .. ولا يمكن ايصال الطعام الطازج إليهم عن طريق السيارات بسبب انكشاف الطريق لمواقع العدو وصفاء الجو ونقائه وعدم وجود أثر لغيم أو ضباب تتستر به السيارات حتى أن البحر وهضاب جبل عامل الغربية ترى بوضوح من تلك التلال العالية ..

بقيت ساعة الإفطار، والجميع ينظرون إلى الأفق الغربي عل ضبابا منخفضا يأتي وتنحل المشكلة، ولكنهم كانوا كأنهم ينتظرون معجزة فالجو صيفي ولم يعتد ضباب في هذه الأيام من السنة .. وهنا أخذ البعض يدلي باقتراحات أخرى كأن يتم نقل الطعام بواسطة إخوان يذهبون إليهم سيرا على الأقدام، ولكنه كان اقتراحا يحمل من الصعوبة القدر الكبير فالجميع صائمون ومن هو الذي يستطيع قطع هذه المسافة وهو صائم ويحمل كمية من الطعام مع سلاحه وذخيرته وفي آخر ساعة من النهار حيث يبلغ الجهد ذروته !!

انصرفوا عن هذه الفكرة وطفقوا ينظرون إلى الطعام الطازج الوفير وإلى الفواكه والحلوى .. لقد كان أليماً جداً لهم أن يتذوقوها هم فقط، بل كان احساس بالخجل يغمرهم.

وفجأة، ومن غير سابق إنذار ولا حتى احتمال، وبإشارة من أحدهم التفتوا إلى جهة الغرب، لقد كانت مساحة من الضغط المنخفض تزحف حتى غطت البلدات والتلال الغربية وكامل الأفق الغربي .. ومع دهشة الجميع أخذ الضباب يقترب ويمتد حتى غمر المنطقة كلها وشملها بحنانه ولطفه وبرودته التي وصلت إلى القلوب الظمأى .. كاد يجن جنون الشباب من الفرح وبسرعة تحركت السيارات تحت نظر مواقع العدو والضباب قد ألقى ستارا كثيفا يحميها وهي تحمل طناجر الطعام الطازج مع الفواكه والحلوى ..

وكانوا هناك ينتظرون أن يدعوهم إخوانهم إلى إفطار شهي، وما إن انعطفت آخر سيارة عائدة واختفت عن أنظار مواقع العدو حتى انقشع الضباب فجأة كما جاء فجأة .. وصفا الجو وراق من جديد وبدت أنوار الساحل وقرى جبل عامل حيث المسلمون يفطرون .. في نفس الوقت الذي كان فيه المجاهدون يوزعون الطعام الطازج على مواقع انتشارهم فيفطرون وعيونهم ترصد مواقع الأعداء .. كان المطبخ يضج في لحظات سعيدة .. لا يهم الآن أن نأكل أو لا نأكل، المهم هو أن الشباب الآن يفطرون على طعام طازج ..

_______________
نقلاً عن كتاب قصص الأحرار

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6:45
Born In Damas:
» ‎ Syria Planet

Ramadan and back to blogging

I feel like blogging again, but first Ramadan Kareem we in3ad 3alekum.
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بقليلٍ مِن ... تستطيع ...: إنسان
» ‎ Syria Planet

365 يوماً … مرَّ … كنا نترقب هذا اليوم …في رمضان … اليوم عيدنا … عيد صداقةٍ عتيدة توجّناها بحبٍ صغير … كبر وكبر … وصار له من السنين سنة … حبّي اليوم , أكبر وأكبر … وكلّ يوم … أذكر أول كلمة … وبالدقيقة … أذكرها … أذكر أول صوت وأول ضحكة … أول غداء وأول [...]
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tajreed:
» ‎ Syria Planet

the more work you put into something ,the more ownership you begin to feel for it

this line is from a book that deals with the subject of behavioral economics ,this remark seems to be pretty intuitive ;if you put great effort in getting something you'll be attached to it, but sometimes you deserve something by your hard work and you don't get it,and some one else's does because they are lucky or simply comes first, whereas if things were based on merit you should be the winner moreover you will appreciate it more and conserve it.
if you use something that is not for you I guess you wouldn't be that careful in handling it as if it was one of your possessions. that applies also to ideas and convictions , we are very keen to promote the values and culture that we are part of and have a sense of belonging to and ownership , that's why there is always resistance to imported concepts and ideas not because they are bad sometimes they would be very constructive but for the sole reason that it is not "our" ideas and concepts .
the sense of ownership is very important thing because it drives us to maintain our accomplishments and promote more success eventually .this is known in the world of business were employees are encouraged to have a say in the companies management so they feel part of the company and that they have something at stack so they will work in earnest to ensure the success of the company. that's why no one should be rewarded a position or an advantage based on any thing other than their hard work and dedication they will simply underestimate what they got and most probably will not see the true value of it,contrary to someone who have worked to earn what they have .
all this talk about ownership , but the question now how about sharing, what the role sharing plays in our sense of ownership does it boost it ,can we feel ownership for a shared item ?
what don you think?

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6:45
رايح ومش راجع: raye7wmishraj3
» ‎ Syria Planet

الرجل الثاني الذي أبحث عنه، مع عشرات من النشطاء السوريين، هو ليس الرجل الثاني في تنظيم القاعدة، ولا هو الرجل الثاني في حزب الله الذي اغتيل في دمشق منذ سبعة أشهر ولم تكشف التحقيقات خيطاً واحداً من خيوط الجريمة حتى الآن، ولا هو أيضاً الرجل الثاني في شعبة المخابرات العسكرية السورية العميد محمد سليمان، والذي اغتيل في طرطوس، ولم تكشف التحقيقات شيئاً حتى الآن.

الرجل الثاني الذي أبحث عنه، هو المعتقل الثاني الذي أفرجت السلطات السورية عنه، نزولاً عند مطالبة الجانب الفرنسي لها بذلك.

فخلال المؤتمر الصحافي الذي جمع الرئيسين الأسد وساركوزي في دمشق منذ يومين، أجاب الرئيس ساركوزي على سؤال عن تدخله بملف حقوق الإنسان في سوريا أنه خلال زيارة الرئيس الأسد لفرنسا قبل شهرين سلم الجانب الفرنسي السوريين قائمة بأسماء يطالبهم الإفراج عنها، وأعلن ساركوزي أن السوريين ينفذون وعودهم وقد أفرجوا حتى الآن عن اثنين من تلك القائمة.

لا أعلم من هو الرجل الثاني المقصود، ولا أعتقد أن الرئيس ساركوزي يعلم أيضاً، لكني متأكد أن البعثة الدبلوماسية الفرنسية في دمشق، التي حضرت القائمة بأسماء المعتقلين، تعلم تماماً عدد المفرج عنهم، والمحكومين، والأشخاص قيد المحاكمة، بدقة وتفصيل كما نعلمها نحن، وربما أكثر.!

إذا كان د.عارف دليلة هو الرجل الأول، فمن هو الرجل الثاني؟؟!

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هلوسة و شخبرة: لرجلي
» ‎ Syria Planet

فتوحات :
كمدينة تغزا، تتابع دقات قلبها ، لتنتهي من عملية الفتح .
هكذا هي الأنثى . مدينة و تغزا.

أثم:
لم لا يفهمون:
أنا ما شالتو،
هو شالني.

عن قلعة دمشق:
الطفلة ذات الرأس الأحمر ، تتوجه كل يوم إلى القلعة لتدلى من على ضفة نهر بردى مع الياسمين ،.يستغرب لها المارون فيطلقون لفلاشاتهم العنان باسم الإنسانية و من ثم يرحلون.
الطفلة ذات الرأس الأحمر تستحي أن تسأل : كيف أبدو بالصورة ، يا سيدي؟.

تحرش جنسي:
عندما أسند رأسي عليه،
أتساءل : ماذا يفكر الحائط بي؟

أنا – أنت - هو:
ٍلنبدأ بأنا
بصراحة انا أمقت كلمة انا .
لأن ازا ئلبتا "أنا" بضلها أنا متل ما أنا .
وازا شلت حرف من "أنا" بتطلع كمان أنا وئت بجرب كون أنا وكالعادة يلي بطلع أأأأ،
يمكن لأن بعيدة عن عيني أنا أفهم شو أنا.

أنت
مو موضوع محرز متل " أنت" بدها كون بعرف شي عن" أنا" ؟

هو
كل يغني على ليلاه ... وهو من فوق سقف السماء يسمع الغناء كله! ولا يطرب.

حالة نكاية بكل مين بمر لهون ، منذ فتحت هذه المدونة. ونكاية بكل مين يعتقد أني غير جديرة بأنوثتي لأني استخدم كلمة (لرجلي)و نكاية بالنكاية... سميت هذه التدوينة لرجلي.!!يعني ازا احساسي تحاصره هذه الكلمة ..لرجلي ..شو بساوي!
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Syria Comment: The Middle East Waits for America
» ‎ Syria Planet

Syria details its stance on peace talks
By Yoav Stern and Barak Ravid - Haaretz

yrian President Bashar Assad revealed details on the peace process with Israel yesterday, presenting Turkey with a document of principles, one of whose points discusses the desired extent of the withdrawal from the Golan Heights. The Syrian leader also said indirect negotiations with Israel were on hold until the latter chooses a new prime minister. He said direct talks would have to wait until a new U.S. president takes office.

But Israeli and Turkish sources said they expect the talks to be resumed by the end of the month. "We want the support of all states, basically France, Qatar and Turkey, in order to be assured that the next [Israeli] prime minister follows the same direction [Ehud] Olmert followed in his readiness for a complete withdrawal from the occupied territories for peace to be achieved," Assad said. He was speaking at a press conference at a four-way summit in Damascus this week, attended by French President Nicolas Sarkozy, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.

Assad said Syria gave Turkey a document with six points that detail its position of departure in the negotiations. He said his country is now waiting for Israel to present a document of its own to the Turkish intermediaries.

"Any direct talks would also have to wait until a new American administration is in place," Assad added.

According to State Department spokesman Robert Wood: "Overall what we'd like to see out of Syria is for it to play a much more productive role in the region. It hasn't until now. We'd like to see it not meddle in the affairs of the sovereign government of Lebanon."

In an interview with French television, Assad ruled out any recognition of Israel before a peace agreement. "But when there is a peace accord, of course there will be reciprocal recognition. This is natural," he said.

The Syrian leader also said he would not break off ties with Hezbollah and militant Palestinians, a key Israeli demand.

A.P. Sept 4

Mr. Assad did not disclose details of the Syrian proposals, and little information has emerged from four rounds of indirect talks with Israel over the past year. "We are now discussing a document of principles which talks about general principles of the peace process which will be the basis for direct negotiations," Mr. Assad explained.

He said Syria outlined six points on the issue of the "withdrawal line," a reference to the extent of an Israeli withdrawal from the Golan Heights and a major sticking point over which direct negotiations collapsed in 2000. Israel captured the Golan Heights from Syria in the 1967 Mideast war.

Mr. Assad said the Syrian points were given to the Turkish negotiators "as a deposit." When Israel gives its own proposals to the Turkish side, then the two sides could move to direct negotiations "after a new American administration convinced of the peace process is in place," he added. Mr. Assad has previously said American sponsorship of future negotiations was necessary, but after November's U.S. elections bring a new administration to office.

Christian Science Monitor: Joshua Mitnick

Middle East analysts concede that substantive progress from the indirect talks hosted by Turkey has been modest at best.

"It will not happen in the present circumstances except as part of a larger reorientation of Syrian policies. For that, you need a US administration that is in the game," says Itamar Rabinovich, a former Israeli ambassador to the US and a top negotiator in Israeli-Syrian talks during the 1990s. "For now, everyone is keeping the ball in the air and trying to improve their position."

The Syrian side is trying to publicize that there are no big reasons that there can't be an agreement in the near future," says Rime Allaf. …. She added, however, that the US and Israel shouldn't expect a radical realignment of Syria's ties with Iran. Syria is unlikely to cut ties with Hamas, as well. "It is naive to image that just because Israel and Syria sign a peace deal the relations between Syria and Iran to come to a standstill." ……

"The blueprint is known. [Israeli President Shimon Peres] said the other day. You need 24 hours to sign," says Moshe Maoz, a political science professor from Hebrew University in Jerusalem. "The question is whether the parties are ready."

Time Magazine: France's Fling with Syria, Sep. 4, 2008 | By Bruce Crumley / Paris

"There has long been a view within French diplomatic circles that Bashar al-Assad really wants to end Syria's habit of trouble-making and re-enter the community of nations, but until recently had been undermined by the older elements of the regime left over from his father's days," says one French official involved France's evolving relationship with Damascus. "He's not perfect, and there are still real problems with human rights and the treatment of political prisoners in Syria. Still, there are enough signs of change and a willingness to work together that we can't let that kind of opportunity pass by."

Whereas Chirac had relied on Saudi Arabia as his primary Arab interlocutor, Sarkozy appears to have turned to Qatar as the key intermediary to re-establish contacts and prepare visits and exchanges between Paris and Damascus. ….

Still, he notes that despite the signs of wanting to improve its behavior, no one is naive enough to believe Syria can be entirely trusted yet. "This is an exercise in confidence-building, and demonstrating there's more to gain by being a part of the solution rather than the problem," he notes. "It's a long work in progress."

Sarkozy interview:  "The Road to Peace in the Region Passes Through Both Our Countries"
The Syrian daily Al-Watan published an interview with French President Nicolas Sarkozy today, in advance of his visit to Damascus.(1)
MEMRI

Interviewer: "What message would you like to communicate to the Syrians on your first visit there as president of France?"

Sarkozy: "My first message to the Syrian people is one of friendship. Throughout history, our countries have maintained close and warm ties, although it must be admitted that these were sometimes fraught with complications. Nevertheless, in spite of the difficulties that have attended these ties, the friendship between our people has never been severed. This is a most precious asset, and we must guard it at any cost…

"This visit is taking place under special circumstances, for our countries intend to turn over a new page in our relations. This new page is very dear to my heart, since within its framework Syria has been gradually making choices that the world expects from it - [and] in this way it will reinstate its position among the nations. By visiting Damascus, I would like to convey to the Syrian authorities how crucial it is for them to continue on this course. Syria is an important country, capable of making an indispensable contribution to the settlement of problems in the Middle East, and it is essential that its role in the region should be positive.

"I envision a future in which [we] follow the course of cooperation between France and Syria. True, we are independent countries, and at times each of us has its own private interests. However, I am convinced - as I mentioned to [Syrian President] Bashar Al-Assad on July 12, when he arrived in Paris - that the road to peace in the region passes through both our countries."

France Must "Regain Its Place on the International Chessboard"

Interviewer: "Some publicists have been discussing strategic ties between Paris and Damascus. Are we in a position today to speak of France's forceful return to the Middle East chessboard?"

Sarkozy: "Since I was elected president of France 15 months ago, I have wished for France to regain its place on the international chessboard. As for the Middle East, a region close to my heart, I want my country to assume the highest responsibility in serving the cause of peace. To this end, we must gain the trust of all sides. Accordingly, I have instituted several significant reforms in our Middle East policy - including even breaking away from [the Middle East policy of previous French president Jacque Chirac].

"I have acted in the same way with regard to Israel as well, since the intensity of the friendship between France and Israel is no different from that between France and Israel's Arab neighbors, or from our steadfast commitment to the establishment of a Palestinian state.

"I treat Syria the same way as well: From my point of view, the main thing is to create an opening for dialogue - but it must be a determined dialogue, which will enable genuine progress.

"Our return to the Middle East was also heralded by the Mediterranean summit, held July 13-14 in Paris, which proved to be a great success. All but one of the leaders of the countries that lie north and south of the Mediterranean attended the opening of this great cultural project, which I believe signifies that France, and certainly Europe, has returned to the region.

"In a July 12 joint French-Syrian declaration, France committed to take steps essential to the ratification of the cooperation agreement between Syria and the European Union."

"We Are Working On The [Syria-E.U.] Cooperation Agreement" …….

DJ Sarkozy Heads To Syria To Rebuild Top-Level Ties After Freeze
September 3, 2008

PARIS (AFP)–… Sarkozy said on the eve of his visit to Damascus that peace in the Middle East "passes through" Syria and France. "As I told President Bashar al-Assad when he came to Paris on July 12, the path of peace in this region passes through our countries," Sarkozy told Syria's al-Watan daily, which is close to government circles. "Syria can provide an irreplaceable contribution to solving Middle East issues. It is important that Syria plays a positive role in the region," he said, according to an advance copy of the interview.

Syria 'informs Sarkozy it is holding Lebanon's most wanted man'
DPA, 04 Sep 2008

Beirut - Syria informed French President Nicolas Sarkozy it has arrested Lebanon's most-wanted terrorist suspect, Fatah al-Islam leader Shaker al-Abssi, the Lebanese website Naharnet said Thursday. It quoted what it called "reliable Syrian sources" as saying Abssi was in Syrian custody and that contacts were under way between security agencies in Damascus and Beirut to determine whether he be extradited to Lebanon or tried in Syria.

The report came hours after the United Arab Emirates daily al- Bayan quoted a senior official of a pro-Syrian Palestinian faction as saying Abssi was picked up after illegally entering Syria.

Abssi mysteriously fled the northern Lebanese refugee camp of Nahr al-Bared during a crackdown by the Lebanese army last September after troops crushed a Fatah al-Islam rebellion.

The 15-week battle in and around the camp resulted in the deaths of more than 400 people, including 162 troops.

On June 21, 2007, Abssi and 15 other Fatah al-Islam members were charged by Lebanese state prosecutor Saeed Mirza with carrying out bus bombings on February 13 that year in the village of Ain-Alaq.

Al-Abbsi was also charged with bombing two buses on the eve of a Cedar Revolution rally planned to mark the second anniversary of the assassination of former Lebanese prime minister Rafik Hariri.

Some Lebanese and Syrian officials have cited links between Fatah al-Islam and al-Qaeda.

In 2004, a Jordanian military court convicted al-Abssi and Abu Musab al-Zarqawi in absentia for the 2002 murder of Laurence Foley, a US diplomat who was gunned down in front of his Amman home.

Al-Zarqawi, who later became leader of al-Qaeda in Iraq, was killed in a US airstrike north of Baghdad in 2007.

Lebanese Defence Minister Elias Murr has repeatedly said that he wants al-Abssi "dead or alive."

Sarkozy wound up a two-day visit to Syria Thursday with a four-way summit, including Turkey and Qatar, which aimed at boosting the roles of France and the European Union in Middle East diplomacy.

Sarkozy, whose country holds the rotating EU presidency, hopes France and the EU can rank alongside the United States as peacemakers, notably between Israel and Syria.

Lebanese officials expressed hopes the visit would help chances of achieving peace in the Middle East region.

France started talks with Syria, after Syrian President Bashar al- Assad announced he was embarking on indirect talks with Israel and eased his stands towards Lebanon, which helped end an 18-month political crisis in the country.

Syria was Lebanon's power broker until 2005 when Hariri was assassinated. Hariri's allies and their western backers blamed Syria for the assassination, but Damascus has denied all the charges.

Assad: 'Possibility of peace' with Israel
[www.iht.com]
The Associated Press
IHT, September 2, 2008

PARIS: Syrian President Bashar Assad said Tuesday that indirect negotiations with Israel have brought "the possibility of peace," though the two countries still have quite a way to go toward that goal.

Syria's foreign minister said last week that the talks had not made enough headway for the two sides to hold direct negotiations. In an interview with France-3 television, Assad said officials were working to make them happen.

"Today there is a possibility of peace," Assad said. "But nonetheless, we cannot say that we are close to achieving peace. We are preparing for direct negotiations. When we reach that step, we will be able to say that we are approaching peace.

"Today, we can only say that we have opened the door to peace," he said, ….

Despite his comments about potential peace, Assad said he believes that Israel "could try to launch different attacks, maybe against Iran, and maybe also against Lebanon, and of course it could launch an attack on Syria." He said such attacks would have "catastrophic results."

….. "Of course we have to wait for the new administration to know what its orientations are," he said. "Afterward we can speak of direct negotiations."…..

A US role in Syrian-Israeli peace
By Robert Pelletreau and Edward S. Walker
Boston Globe, September 2, 2008

….. The United States stands to gain a great deal from an Israeli-Syrian agreement. Having served as US ambassadors to five Middle East countries, we are convinced that a comprehensive Arab-Israeli peace is essential to American national security interests. …… The Bush administration should start this process. If it can dispatch the third highest person in the State Department to participate in a meeting with Iranian officials, it can certainly encourage the talks between Israel, its friend and ally, and Syria. …

Syria impacts many American interests. Chief among them currently is Syria's engagement in Iraq and stabilizing the Iraq-Syria border. As Iraq shows signs of gradual stability, American-Syrian talks in parallel with Israel-Syria talks might yield agreements producing substantial benefits for Baghdad while helping to relieve Syria of the enormous Iraqi refugee burden it is carrying.

Additional American interests include Hezbollah's role in Lebanon and in the Israeli-Arab conflict, and Iran's ability to undercut American efforts on the Israeli-Palestinian peace track, the core challenge of the Arab-Israel peace process.

If an Israeli-Syrian agreement is reached, the United States will emerge as one of the winners, along with Israel and Syria. Iran and Hezbollah will be the losers…..

But such an agreement cannot be achieved without the United States.

…. An Israeli-Syrian agreement must necessarily pull Syria out of the Iranian orbit. Such an outcome would significantly improve the chances of reaching a comprehensive peace between Israel and all of its neighbors. An agreement would bring considerable additional benefits to the United States and to Israel, including:

Iran's posture would be weakened.

Syria would no longer provide support for armed action by Hamas and other militant Palestinian groups.

It would clear the way for Israel's formal peace with Lebanon.

It would end arms shipments to Hezbollah.

It would strengthen Lebanon's independence, supporting an exchange of Syrian-Lebanese ambassadors and official delineation of Syria-Lebanon boundaries.

Comprehensive peace on all tracks would trigger Israel's normalization with the entire Arab world in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative.
The Bush administration should open the diplomatic tool box for the Israeli-Syrian talks as it seems to be doing for Iran and North Korea. If it chooses not to, the next occupant of the Oval Office should pursue a peace whose achievement would mark the way toward broader peace and reconciliation in the region and disappoint only extremists and their sponsors.

BBC MidEast: President Al-Asad Says he will not Abandoning "Resistance"
2008-09-04
Text of report by Lebanese Hezbollah Al-Manar TV on 4 September

[Exclusive interview with Syrian President Bashar Al-Asad by an unidentified correspondent in Damascus, date not given]

[Correspondent] Your excellency the president, before the Franco- Syrian summit was to be held, we heard many reports of concessions that Syria will make to France. With regard to the Iranian file, the picture has become clear, but there are those who speak of Syrian concessions over the resistance movements, especially those in Lebanon and Palestine. How do you view these reports, and are they true to begin with?

[Al-Asad] The fact that I am giving an interview to Al-Manar television should be an answer in itself [laughs]. No, this matter was not brought up. I believe that this issue has become clear for many countries. We are not a state that offers gifts. We are a state that speaks the language of interests. We ask any other state to present its interests to us so that we would look for common interests.

We do not see an interest in abandoning the resistance. Our position has always been clear and in our political discourse, we always reaffirm our firm position for resistance against occupation, wherever it may be and whatever the occupation -be it in Iraq, Lebanon, or Palestine. Our position is firm and has not changed. Syria has not changed this political discourse and it does not appear that it would change unless the state of occupation changes.

Europe focuses on the Iranian nuclear file. As for Syria's position, it is a long-standing one [opposed] to weapons of mass destruction and their proliferation, including in Israel. Therefore, the position on the Iranian file is within the context of the Syrian position; we do not consider it separate from the Syrian file [as heard]. Therefore, the Western perspective is limited to a single file, while the Syrian perspective underscores the need to see the big picture when dealingwith the Iranian nuclear file. I am not saying that differences exist; rather, some aspects of these two perspectives converge while others diverge. They do not pay attention to the Israeli issue, while we are concerned with the Israeli issue and Israeli nuclear weapons.

[Recording skips to Al-Asad apparently responding to an unheard question]

This administration does not work for peace and does not believe in it. How, then, can it believe in sponsoring the parties to peace? It does not see the whole picture. We distinguish between a mediator and a sponsor. Turkey is now playing the role of a mediator in indirect negotiations, which is similar to the role James Baker played prior to the Madrid Conference, when he shuttled between Syria and Israel in a bid to reach a common ground on which to launch the peace process from Madrid.

The same is happening today, but the two sides are in Turkey while the mediator is shutting between two different hotels in Istanbul. We will wait for the next US Administration to see what its directions would be. The US Administration is essential to the peace process, which cannot [move forward] without it regardless of whether or not we agree with it or like this reality. We have stated this position clearly to the United States. France can help in this sponsorship and so can Europe or any other interested state because, for while the US role is important and fundamental, it does not cover all aspects of the sponsorship. At the same time, any other role cannot substitute for a US role.

[Correspondent] So matters are on hold until a new US Administration arrives?

[Al-Asad] Definitely: We have stated this clearly, and - strangely enough -everyone agrees with us on this point.

[Correspondent] Thank you your excellency.

Originally published by Al-Manar Television, Beirut, in Arabic 1437 4 Sep 08.

“Arab-European Summit in Damascus"
Mideastwire.com, September 3, 2008

"Damascus welcomes its great guest Mr. President Nicolas Sarkozy,” Syria’s government-controlled newspaper Teshreen editorialized on September 3. “It confirms the desire of the Syrians to establish excellent and advanced relations with the great country France.”

The French president’s visit is aimed at restoring warmth to relations and opening a new page.

"We as Syrians, who are passionate about freedom and long for peace and the stability and prosperity and development and progress it provides, are placing many hopes in the European Union,” the paper said.

"France, and the entire world, namely the United States, realizes that Syria was honest in its peace approach, and that when it engaged in the peace process in Madrid in 1991, it was honest and loyal to peace,” Teshreen added.

Assad’s reckless behavior
By Farid Ghadry (Head of Syria Reform Party in Washington DC)
Ynet News, September 2, 2008

Bashar Wins a Big One, September 4, 2008
by Scott MacLeod | Time Blog

Maybe Bashar al-Assad is a chip off the old block, after all, judging from the diplomatic pageant in Damascus today. There he was, despite the Bush administration's vigorous five-year campaign to isolate Bashar, hosting an international summit on the Middle East being covered live on satellite channels including the BBC.

Not so long ago, the Syrian president and his regime seemed to be hanging by a thread. Trained as an ophthalmologist with little or instinct or stomach for politics, Bashar had come to power upon the death of his father Hafez in 2000 quite by accident, literally–the auto crash that killed his elder brother, the heir apparent in the Assad Dynasty…..

Thursday's scene of the four leaders on global television represents another defeat for the Bush administration's policies. It's policy toward Syria has now completely collapsed. If the Cheney strategists had their way, Bashar would have been removed from power, Syria would be a U.S.-friendly democracy, Lebanon would have become another jewel of the Middle East's democratic crown and the leaders of Hamas and Hizballah would be in Guantanamo Bay or worse. Instead, Bashar has put himself, Syria and its allies back at the center of events, as Washington watches it all from afar.

You can almost hear Hafez saying, "Way to go, kid!"

A Peek into Others' mind » September 5, 2008

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