Article

2003-05-27 Syria-Lebanon

Beirut in the Grips of Damascus and Hizbollah

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Posted by Brian 2003-05-27 01:15 am|| || Front Page|| [3 views since 2007-05-07] Top

#1 Nothing happens in Lebanon without some sort of Syrian influence. Take out Assad and turn Israel loose on Lebanon and watch what happens.

Posted by Bomb-a-rama 2003-05-27 09:08:59|| 2003-05-27 09:08:59|| Front Page Top

#2 I am not sure taking out Assad is the answer and I know that 'turning Israel loose' is not. Assad is not like his father and may be a good avenue in which to 'clean out' the radical influence. All we need to do is tell Assad that it's either him or the terrorists. I like this answer because it's an Arab mess, let them clean it up.

Posted by Cyber Sarge 2003-05-27 13:35:49|| 2003-05-27 13:35:49|| Front Page Top

#3 All indications are that Boy Assad isn't half the ~~dictator~~ ~~strongman~~ leader his Dad was and is actually controlled by the military hardliners and Baath leadership (rather than the other way around). It's questionable if he can stay alive or in power if he bucks these people. Don't count on much from him, except empty promises and status quo

Posted by Frank G 2003-05-27 14:13:39|| 2003-05-27 14:13:39|| Front Page Top

#4 All we need to do is tell Assad that it's either him or the terrorists. I like this answer because it's an Arab mess, let them clean it up.

Bashar's "actions" will be nothing more than window-dressing, much like the supposed closing of terrorist offices in Damascus. The offices are closed but the people that staffed them are probably still doing the same thing, but from home.

With regard to cleaning up their own mess, they can't/won't. The only way things are going to change is if the US military pays a visit to Damascus. The only nation that has the potential to straighten itself out is Iran, if only the administration would get on with the task of supporting and assisting the Iranian opposition.

Posted by Bomb-a-rama 2003-05-27 14:25:39|| 2003-05-27 14:25:39|| Front Page Top

#5 Bomb-a-rama, right you are. Iran is the only country in the region that has a good shot at rapid democratization, and it is the only one in which most people are well-disposed toward the U.S. Equally important, it is the key to both Iraq and Afghanistan. I am hoping for massive demonstrations in Iran in early July, to be backed up by US military intervention if necessary.

Posted by closet neo-con 2003-05-27 17:40:20|| 2003-05-27 17:40:20|| Front Page Top

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