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STRATFOR.com
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THE INTERNET SOURCE FOR GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE
If it’s in the news, it’s too late...
Syria, Washington Sound Out Closer Ties
January 17, 2002
Summary
Evidence suggests that Syria's relationship with the United States is on the verge of opening up. Despite being labeled by the United States as a state sponsor of terrorism, Syria is now hosting a series of U.S. congressional delegations and dropping hints that it might cooperate on anti-terror measures. A warmer U.S.-Syrian relationship could help Damascus attract foreign investment and serve as a bridge to renewed peace talks with Israel.
Analysis
House Minority Leader Richard Gephardt, D-Mo., traveled to Syria this week to meet with senior government officials. The visit is one of several scheduled to be made by U.S. congressional delegations in January. While on a visit to neighboring Lebanon, Gephardt hinted that some agreement has been reached on the issue of terrorism, although he did not give specifics, the Lebanese Daily Star newspaper reported Jan. 15.
Washington's anti-terror campaign is bringing the two counties closer together. Damascus hopes to prevent Syria from becoming a target of U.S. counterterrorism efforts and in the long term, possibly pave the way for lifting or suspending U.S. sanctions. Closer cooperation between Washington and Damascus could help the underdeveloped Middle Eastern nation attract investment and aid and could set the stage for a renewal of peace talks between Israel and Syria.
For the past two years, President Bashar Assad has struggled to solidify his hold on power and consolidate Syria's control of neighboring Lebanon, where several thousand Syrian forces are deployed. Assad's overall goal is to refashion his country's political image in order to attract foreign investment. Presenting Syria as a country that opposes Muslim radicalism fits within this strategy.
(The Rest of the Story)
(c) 2001 Stratfor, Inc.
Dan
Syria, Washington Sound Out Closer Ties . . .