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Last week, I noted that Syrian President Assad was one of the most influential and powerful leaders in the Middle East. What he has been able to accomplish over his 28 years of rule is all the more impressive given his deteriorating health. Last week was the first time in 28 years that President Assad did not give an address to the General Assembly after taking the oath of President. The government attributed this to doctors orders to reduce the pain and tension brought by standing up for long periods of time.
However, this would also have serious repercussions on relations with Israel and Lebanon as the situation in Lebanon is closely tied to security and military affairs of the three countries. The ability of Syria to reign in its vassals in Lebanon would possibly be diminished and cause a further degradation of relations in the region. Elsewhere, Israel has turned down an opportunity to showcase its businesses in an international trade fair in Cairo. This was a tremendous opportunity for Israel to reach out to other Arab nations and the rest of the world in an effort to foster better relations between itself and other nations. Instead, it would appear that the Israeli government and leaders have buried their head in the sand and limiting the Israeli economy from further growth and expansion. The fair was visited by some 100,000 people and even Iraq had set up a booth to demonstrate the economic benefits of doing business with the country that is very much off limits due to UN sanctions. However, there is some debate as to whether Israel would have been welcome at the fair since many countries are waiting for a breakthrough in the peace process in order to even consider welcoming business relations. Go To Page: 1
The copyright of the article Syrian Leaders Health and the Economic Health of Israel... in Middle East Politics is owned by lawhawk. Permission to republish Syrian Leaders Health and the Economic Health of Israel... in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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