Page 2
I believe that Syria is benefiting in a monetary way by its support of terrorist groups. It is a well-known fact that Syria has helped Iran support HAMAS and Hizbollah by funneling money, arms and training from Iran to those respective terrorist organizations. It can be almost assured that Syria is reaping some sort of monetary benefit by helping out these terrorist groups. If these groups didn't have anything to fight for anymore, via a peace agreement, then there would be no need for anymore support of these groups from Iran, through Syria. This means that Syria would lose out on the support that it is assuredly getting from Iran and that is something that Syria would not like to see happen especially with their current economic situation. For that reason, it is easy to see why Syria might not want to help end the terrorism it helps to support.
It is very unfortunate that Syria is not moving fast enough to help the peace process. It is also relevant to note, however, that Syria was not really included in the peace process and should have been due to its influence over the affairs in that part of the region. The Roadmap to Peace was discussed with Syria and then they were all but forgotten in the peace efforts. I think that Syria is a key and only recently has anyone found this out (reference Colin Powell made remarks to and about Syria recently) and now we they have discovered that Syria is an important piece of the puzzle. So now they can't take the pressure off of Syria. The United States, as well as its allies and other influential members of the international community, must continue to apply pressure on Syria in order to make it help move the Middle East peace process in the right direction.
The United States will more than likely be the loudest voice in an effort to get Syria to cooperate with the Middle East peace initiative. However, they already have a full plate with Iraq, Iran and the Roadmap to Peace and taking on a harder stance against Syria. With all that is happening, the U.S. might have overextended their resources and not allowed themselves the proper amount of time and effort needed to concentrate on making Syria cooperate. Also, the United States might help to further its image of being a "bully" in the Middle East if begins taking a hard-line approach to Syria. Still, something has to be done about Syria to get them in line and to have them help out with the process of peace in the Middle East. It can't happen without their positive involvement and cooperation.
Go To Page: 1 2
