Thursday August 24, 2006

I've Been Thinking:

President Bashar Assad of Syria went on Dubai TV on Wednesday to explain his thoughts on a UN force monitoring the Syrian border with Lebanon.
He thinks it's a bad idea, a very bad idea.

He said: "First, this means creating hostile conditions between Syria and Lebanon."
What an understatement. There are already hostile conditions and Syria in general has had free reign to be as hostile as it wants. Patrolling and monitoring the border will only give more protection and independence to Lebanon.

He said: "Second, it is a hostile move toward Syria and naturally it will create problems."
That is correct. It will force Syria to let go of Lebanon. To this very day Syria still does not have an embassy in Lebanon. The Syrians view Lebanon as a province, not as an independent state. They think Lebanon is theirs to exploit.

Having a real border can only benefit Lebanon.
Having a real border will force Syria to re-evaluate and re-vamp their relationship with Lebanon.
Having a real border may also prevent Syria from giving missiles to Hezbollah.
In this case, what is good for the goose is also good for the gander.