Political Crossfire Forums

[Timmytour]

Is this a mark of progress in Iraq?

At about the same time that America was restoring diplomatic relations with Saddam the State Department was removing Iraq from its list of states supporting international terrorism, diplomatic relations between Iraq and Syria were severed.

How things change. Despite the American hostility towards Syria and its presence in Iraq, Syria and Iraq have now restored diplomatic relations.

http://news.independent.co.uk/world/middle_east/article2002057.ece

Quote: Iraq and Syria restore diplomatic relations
AP
Published: 21 November 2006
Diplomatic relations between Syria and Iraq were restored today after being severed 24 years ago.

Iraqi government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh said: "The latest talks between the Syrian and Iraqi side have been crowned by declaring a new era with the participation of the Syrian brothers in working on the security and stability with Iraq and restoring full diplomatic relations."

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moallem arrived in Iraq on Sunday in the first such visit by a senior Syrian official since the 2003 fall of Saddam Hussein's regime. He was expected to return to Damascus later today.

After the signing ceremony, Iraq's Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari told reporters that the names of ambassadors would be announced soon.

"Iraq's flag will fly in the sky of Damascus and Syria's flag will fly in the sky of Baghdad," Zebari said.

On arrival, Moallem had called for a timetable for the withdrawal of US forces, saying that would reduce violence.

Zebari said the presence of the 140,000-strong American force was "approved by the Iraqi government".

Syria broke diplomatic ties with Iraq in 1982, accusing it of inciting riots in Syria by the banned Muslim Brotherhood. Damascus also sided with Iran in the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war.

Trade ties between Iraq and Syria were restored in 1997.

Diplomatic relations between Syria and Iraq were restored today after being severed 24 years ago.

Iraqi government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh said: "The latest talks between the Syrian and Iraqi side have been crowned by declaring a new era with the participation of the Syrian brothers in working on the security and stability with Iraq and restoring full diplomatic relations."

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moallem arrived in Iraq on Sunday in the first such visit by a senior Syrian official since the 2003 fall of Saddam Hussein's regime. He was expected to return to Damascus later today.

After the signing ceremony, Iraq's Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari told reporters that the names of ambassadors would be announced soon.
"Iraq's flag will fly in the sky of Damascus and Syria's flag will fly in the sky of Baghdad," Zebari said.

On arrival, Moallem had called for a timetable for the withdrawal of US forces, saying that would reduce violence.

Zebari said the presence of the 140,000-strong American force was "approved by the Iraqi government".

Syria broke diplomatic ties with Iraq in 1982, accusing it of inciting riots in Syria by the banned Muslim Brotherhood. Damascus also sided with Iran in the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war.

Trade ties between Iraq and Syria were restored in 1997.

Increasingly I get the feeling that Bush has been played for a fool and anticipated with ease.

The whole Iraqi situation seems to be playing into every "unfriendly" nations hands and not the USA´s :(

[Moracca]

This would be to Iraq's benefit for the purpose of commerce. If Iraq can prove to be profitable to Syria then perhaps Damascus will get a little more serious about stopping the flow of weapons and bodies going southeast into Iraq.

Iraq is an independent nation. Just because they make decisions not inline with the DC or GOP/Bush stance doesn't automatically make it a defeat for Bush.

[Ozzone]

Now is Syria will only stop shoveling terrorists and insurgents across the border into Iraq this might actually mean something.

[CountryGuy]

I honestly think the best chance for peace comes via the US working with both Syria and Iran to stabilize Iraq. I also think it offers the opportunity to engage in peaceful dialogue that could lead to new tracts for other issues going on in the region (Iran's nukes, etc.). Right now, there is nothing even approaching diplomacy.

Both countries could counter any claim that they are not Muslim nations, and would have the intelligence systems to counter any continued insurgency.

[Timmytour]

CountryGuy wrote: I honestly think the best chance for peace comes via the US working with both Syria and Iran to stabilize Iraq. I also think it offers the opportunity to engage in peaceful dialogue that could lead to new tracts for other issues going on in the region (Iran's nukes, etc.). Right now, there is nothing even approaching diplomacy.

Both countries could counter any claim that they are not Muslim nations, and would have the intelligence systems to counter any continued insurgency.

There´s a lot of sense in what you say. But what would really help would be if the US was part of the process, and that it wasn´t happening despite them.

For the Us to be a part of it, I don´t believe that a stance of referring to such countries as forming an "axis of evil" is a great starting point and that a continuing strategy of hostility helps either.

[Moracca]

Timmytour wrote: CountryGuy wrote: I honestly think the best chance for peace comes via the US working with both Syria and Iran to stabilize Iraq. I also think it offers the opportunity to engage in peaceful dialogue that could lead to new tracts for other issues going on in the region (Iran's nukes, etc.). Right now, there is nothing even approaching diplomacy.

Both countries could counter any claim that they are not Muslim nations, and would have the intelligence systems to counter any continued insurgency.

There´s a lot of sense in what you say. But what would really help would be if the US was part of the process, and that it wasn´t happening despite them.

For the Us to be a part of it, I don´t believe that a stance of referring to such countries as forming an "axis of evil" is a great starting point and that a continuing strategy of hostility helps either.

Considering the fact that Syria and Iran are both two of the main facilitators of conflict in Iraq I think that it isn't the wisest move to treat them as friendly parties. If Iraq choses to do so then that's on them. We need to take some steps back and let the Iraqi government handle more of their own affairs. Afterall, that's what its all about isn't it? IMO, the more that the Iraqi government can assert itself domestically and internationally the more they will be respected domestically and internationally. Its not just OUR job to assure the success of Iraq, afterall its THEIR asses on the line.

[Saracen]

Timmytour, there's a big irony here. I know that the Iraqi government is trying to be independent of the Coalition...

...but how come Dumbya always speaks about punishing Syria?

[CountryGuy]

Moracca wrote: Timmytour wrote: CountryGuy wrote: I honestly think the best chance for peace comes via the US working with both Syria and Iran to stabilize Iraq. I also think it offers the opportunity to engage in peaceful dialogue that could lead to new tracts for other issues going on in the region (Iran's nukes, etc.). Right now, there is nothing even approaching diplomacy.

Both countries could counter any claim that they are not Muslim nations, and would have the intelligence systems to counter any continued insurgency.

There´s a lot of sense in what you say. But what would really help would be if the US was part of the process, and that it wasn´t happening despite them.

For the Us to be a part of it, I don´t believe that a stance of referring to such countries as forming an "axis of evil" is a great starting point and that a continuing strategy of hostility helps either.

Considering the fact that Syria and Iran are both two of the main facilitators of conflict in Iraq I think that it isn't the wisest move to treat them as friendly parties. If Iraq choses to do so then that's on them. We need to take some steps back and let the Iraqi government handle more of their own affairs. Afterall, that's what its all about isn't it? IMO, the more that the Iraqi government can assert itself domestically and internationally the more they will be respected domestically and internationally. Its not just OUR job to assure the success of Iraq, afterall its THEIR asses on the line.

The fact that they are two of the main perpetrators is one of the reasons to include them. Make them part of the process in bringing peace to Iraq. This may require the US step back from its influence on the government there in order to require the same from Iran and Syria, but if the purpose is to stabilze and allow this democracy to grow, turning the two biggest facilitators around as peace partners would be a huge boon to the concept.

And as I mentioned before, there could be added benefits with regards to US - Middle Eastern relations.

[Fionn mac Cumhaill]

If we get a stable democracy in Iraq, we succeed.
If the papers and the pundits want to portray it as a loss for Bush and the US, who cares?

In fact it will probably progess more quickly if the administration plays along with that perception.

[Mr. Sunshine]

Al-Maliki's clock is ticking. Stepping up to engage Syria and Iran on its own diplomatically, means the Baker group's suggestion is obsolete as the democratically elected gov't of Iraq is already asserting its sovereignty against the two host states of the insurgency. The appearance of the gesture is more important than the content or the outcome of the talks. :lol:

[Ameriman]

Man I get so confused with your guys opinions. If Iraq shunned Syria then you would blame Bush for it and call him short-sighted (like not talking to Iran). When Iraq opens up dialogue with Syria you blame Bush and say he has no control over the situation.

Let me ask this...what would you like to see happen? Dialogue or no dialogue?

[Gdawg007]

Yes, it's a positive thing for the fledgling new gov't to be forming it's own diplomatic style and presence in the region. Iraq can't ignore her neighbors. Even if Iraq becomes something that supposedly Syria hates (a democratic and free country, I mean), it does no good if Iraq doesn't use political means to exert pressure on the region to change.

[The American]

Timmytour wrote: Is this a mark of progress in Iraq?

At about the same time that America was restoring diplomatic relations with Saddam the State Department was removing Iraq from its list of states supporting international terrorism, diplomatic relations between Iraq and Syria were severed.

How things change. Despite the American hostility towards Syria and its presence in Iraq, Syria and Iraq have now restored diplomatic relations.

http://news.independent.co.uk/world/middle_east/article2002057.ece

Quote: Iraq and Syria restore diplomatic relations
AP
Published: 21 November 2006
Diplomatic relations between Syria and Iraq were restored today after being severed 24 years ago.

Iraqi government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh said: "The latest talks between the Syrian and Iraqi side have been crowned by declaring a new era with the participation of the Syrian brothers in working on the security and stability with Iraq and restoring full diplomatic relations."

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moallem arrived in Iraq on Sunday in the first such visit by a senior Syrian official since the 2003 fall of Saddam Hussein's regime. He was expected to return to Damascus later today.

After the signing ceremony, Iraq's Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari told reporters that the names of ambassadors would be announced soon.

"Iraq's flag will fly in the sky of Damascus and Syria's flag will fly in the sky of Baghdad," Zebari said.

On arrival, Moallem had called for a timetable for the withdrawal of US forces, saying that would reduce violence.

Zebari said the presence of the 140,000-strong American force was "approved by the Iraqi government".

Syria broke diplomatic ties with Iraq in 1982, accusing it of inciting riots in Syria by the banned Muslim Brotherhood. Damascus also sided with Iran in the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war.

Trade ties between Iraq and Syria were restored in 1997.

Diplomatic relations between Syria and Iraq were restored today after being severed 24 years ago.

Iraqi government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh said: "The latest talks between the Syrian and Iraqi side have been crowned by declaring a new era with the participation of the Syrian brothers in working on the security and stability with Iraq and restoring full diplomatic relations."

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moallem arrived in Iraq on Sunday in the first such visit by a senior Syrian official since the 2003 fall of Saddam Hussein's regime. He was expected to return to Damascus later today.

After the signing ceremony, Iraq's Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari told reporters that the names of ambassadors would be announced soon.
"Iraq's flag will fly in the sky of Damascus and Syria's flag will fly in the sky of Baghdad," Zebari said.

On arrival, Moallem had called for a timetable for the withdrawal of US forces, saying that would reduce violence.

Zebari said the presence of the 140,000-strong American force was "approved by the Iraqi government".

Syria broke diplomatic ties with Iraq in 1982, accusing it of inciting riots in Syria by the banned Muslim Brotherhood. Damascus also sided with Iran in the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war.

Trade ties between Iraq and Syria were restored in 1997.

Increasingly I get the feeling that Bush has been played for a fool and anticipated with ease.

The whole Iraqi situation seems to be playing into every "unfriendly" nations hands and not the USA´s :(

It is my opinion, we should stick to our guns and not negotiate with terrorist states. Especially in the building of a free nation. Syria is a puppet of Iran, in who continually supports terrorist activities and who ignores the call to disband pursuing nuclear capabilities. I have noticed this change in direction after 06 elections. I wonder what influence this has had if any?

Trig.

[Rankor and Pissing]

Saracen wrote: Timmytour, there's a big irony here. I know that the Iraqi government is trying to be independent of the Coalition...

...but how come Dumbya always speaks about punishing Syria?

Because they organize and ship weapons and money to Iraq to kill American soldiers?

Is this a trick question? :?

[mendosan]

The American wrote: Timmytour wrote: Is this a mark of progress in Iraq?

At about the same time that America was restoring diplomatic relations with Saddam the State Department was removing Iraq from its list of states supporting international terrorism, diplomatic relations between Iraq and Syria were severed.

How things change. Despite the American hostility towards Syria and its presence in Iraq, Syria and Iraq have now restored diplomatic relations.

http://news.independent.co.uk/world/middle_east/article2002057.ece

Quote: Iraq and Syria restore diplomatic relations
AP
Published: 21 November 2006
Diplomatic relations between Syria and Iraq were restored today after being severed 24 years ago.

Iraqi government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh said: "The latest talks between the Syrian and Iraqi side have been crowned by declaring a new era with the participation of the Syrian brothers in working on the security and stability with Iraq and restoring full diplomatic relations."

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moallem arrived in Iraq on Sunday in the first such visit by a senior Syrian official since the 2003 fall of Saddam Hussein's regime. He was expected to return to Damascus later today.

After the signing ceremony, Iraq's Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari told reporters that the names of ambassadors would be announced soon.

"Iraq's flag will fly in the sky of Damascus and Syria's flag will fly in the sky of Baghdad," Zebari said.

On arrival, Moallem had called for a timetable for the withdrawal of US forces, saying that would reduce violence.

Zebari said the presence of the 140,000-strong American force was "approved by the Iraqi government".

Syria broke diplomatic ties with Iraq in 1982, accusing it of inciting riots in Syria by the banned Muslim Brotherhood. Damascus also sided with Iran in the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war.

Trade ties between Iraq and Syria were restored in 1997.

Diplomatic relations between Syria and Iraq were restored today after being severed 24 years ago.

Iraqi government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh said: "The latest talks between the Syrian and Iraqi side have been crowned by declaring a new era with the participation of the Syrian brothers in working on the security and stability with Iraq and restoring full diplomatic relations."

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moallem arrived in Iraq on Sunday in the first such visit by a senior Syrian official since the 2003 fall of Saddam Hussein's regime. He was expected to return to Damascus later today.

After the signing ceremony, Iraq's Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari told reporters that the names of ambassadors would be announced soon.
"Iraq's flag will fly in the sky of Damascus and Syria's flag will fly in the sky of Baghdad," Zebari said.

On arrival, Moallem had called for a timetable for the withdrawal of US forces, saying that would reduce violence.

Zebari said the presence of the 140,000-strong American force was "approved by the Iraqi government".

Syria broke diplomatic ties with Iraq in 1982, accusing it of inciting riots in Syria by the banned Muslim Brotherhood. Damascus also sided with Iran in the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war.

Trade ties between Iraq and Syria were restored in 1997.

Increasingly I get the feeling that Bush has been played for a fool and anticipated with ease.

The whole Iraqi situation seems to be playing into every "unfriendly" nations hands and not the USA´s :(

It is my opinion, we should stick to our guns and not negotiate with terrorist states. Especially in the building of a free nation. Syria is a puppet of Iran, in who continually supports terrorist activities and who ignores the call to disband pursuing nuclear capabilities. I have noticed this change in direction after 06 elections. I wonder what influence this has had if any?

Trig.

Syria isn't a puppet of Iran, what the US should be doing is engaging with Syria to isolate Iran, but you have f****d that up, Bush should have opened up Syria like Nixon opened up China.

[Timmytour]

Ameriman wrote: Man I get so confused with your guys opinions. If Iraq shunned Syria then you would blame Bush for it and call him short-sighted (like not talking to Iran). When Iraq opens up dialogue with Syria you blame Bush and say he has no control over the situation.

Let me ask this...what would you like to see happen? Dialogue or no dialogue?

Dialogue is one thing, the restoration of diplomatic relations is a huge leap further.

As far as I know, Syria is still considered as a state sponsor of terrorism by the US. So what happens in the context of the old mantra of "you are either with us or you are against us"?

Does it mean the US begins to start considering Iraq once more as the enemy? What a casualty laden circle we will have travelled were that to be the case :roll:

[Ameriman]

Timmytour wrote:
Dialogue is one thing, the restoration of diplomatic relations is a huge leap further.

Fair enough. But if Iraq's democracy remains in tact is diplomatic relations a bad thing necessarily?

Quote: As far as I know, Syria is still considered as a state sponsor of terrorism by the US. So what happens in the context of the old mantra of "you are either with us or you are against us"?

Does it mean the US begins to start considering Iraq once more as the enemy? What a casualty laden circle we will have travelled were that to be the case :roll:

I guess that depends on whether or not you subscribe to the old mantra of "you're either with us or you are against us". I think it's better that Syria is talking to the Iraqi government openly instead of the insurgency. Maybe the Iraqi government can convince the Syrians to stop pumping Iraq full of weapons and money to kill Americans. Maybe that has been the plan all along. Maybe America is talking to Syria through Iraq and wants to start diplomatically planting the seed of democracy there?

I'm not saying this is a good thing either but I don't know the motives yet. Do you think it is a bad thing?

[Timmytour]

Ameriman wrote: Timmytour wrote:
Dialogue is one thing, the restoration of diplomatic relations is a huge leap further.

Fair enough. But if Iraq's democracy remains in tact is diplomatic relations a bad thing necessarily?

Quote: As far as I know, Syria is still considered as a state sponsor of terrorism by the US. So what happens in the context of the old mantra of "you are either with us or you are against us"?

Does it mean the US begins to start considering Iraq once more as the enemy? What a casualty laden circle we will have travelled were that to be the case :roll:

I guess that depends on whether or not you subscribe to the old mantra of "you're either with us or you are against us". I think it's better that Syria is talking to the Iraqi government openly instead of the insurgency. Maybe the Iraqi government can convince the Syrians to stop pumping Iraq full of weapons and money to kill Americans. Maybe that has been the plan all along. Maybe America is talking to Syria through Iraq and wants to start diplomatically planting the seed of democracy there?

I'm not saying this is a good thing either but I don't know the motives yet. Do you think it is a bad thing?

I don't necessarily think it's a bad thing, just that it's going to a helluva job for Bush to square his rhetoric of the past with what happens going forward.

For me, the Bush "cheerleading" is a big part of the problem. His words have done more to place obstacles in the path to this sort of thing then anything. Nobody judges cheerleaders on the things they come out with, but I think Bush is struggling with the concept that a president is usually bound by his words, unless he precedes a different direction with an apology.

[The Ferryman]

mendosan wrote: The American wrote: Timmytour wrote: Is this a mark of progress in Iraq?

At about the same time that America was restoring diplomatic relations with Saddam the State Department was removing Iraq from its list of states supporting international terrorism, diplomatic relations between Iraq and Syria were severed.

How things change. Despite the American hostility towards Syria and its presence in Iraq, Syria and Iraq have now restored diplomatic relations.

http://news.independent.co.uk/world/middle_east/article2002057.ece

Quote: Iraq and Syria restore diplomatic relations
AP
Published: 21 November 2006
Diplomatic relations between Syria and Iraq were restored today after being severed 24 years ago.

Iraqi government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh said: "The latest talks between the Syrian and Iraqi side have been crowned by declaring a new era with the participation of the Syrian brothers in working on the security and stability with Iraq and restoring full diplomatic relations."

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moallem arrived in Iraq on Sunday in the first such visit by a senior Syrian official since the 2003 fall of Saddam Hussein's regime. He was expected to return to Damascus later today.

After the signing ceremony, Iraq's Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari told reporters that the names of ambassadors would be announced soon.

"Iraq's flag will fly in the sky of Damascus and Syria's flag will fly in the sky of Baghdad," Zebari said.

On arrival, Moallem had called for a timetable for the withdrawal of US forces, saying that would reduce violence.

Zebari said the presence of the 140,000-strong American force was "approved by the Iraqi government".

Syria broke diplomatic ties with Iraq in 1982, accusing it of inciting riots in Syria by the banned Muslim Brotherhood. Damascus also sided with Iran in the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war.

Trade ties between Iraq and Syria were restored in 1997.

Diplomatic relations between Syria and Iraq were restored today after being severed 24 years ago.

Iraqi government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh said: "The latest talks between the Syrian and Iraqi side have been crowned by declaring a new era with the participation of the Syrian brothers in working on the security and stability with Iraq and restoring full diplomatic relations."

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moallem arrived in Iraq on Sunday in the first such visit by a senior Syrian official since the 2003 fall of Saddam Hussein's regime. He was expected to return to Damascus later today.

After the signing ceremony, Iraq's Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari told reporters that the names of ambassadors would be announced soon.
"Iraq's flag will fly in the sky of Damascus and Syria's flag will fly in the sky of Baghdad," Zebari said.

On arrival, Moallem had called for a timetable for the withdrawal of US forces, saying that would reduce violence.

Zebari said the presence of the 140,000-strong American force was "approved by the Iraqi government".

Syria broke diplomatic ties with Iraq in 1982, accusing it of inciting riots in Syria by the banned Muslim Brotherhood. Damascus also sided with Iran in the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war.

Trade ties between Iraq and Syria were restored in 1997.

Increasingly I get the feeling that Bush has been played for a fool and anticipated with ease.

The whole Iraqi situation seems to be playing into every "unfriendly" nations hands and not the USA´s :(

It is my opinion, we should stick to our guns and not negotiate with terrorist states. Especially in the building of a free nation. Syria is a puppet of Iran, in who continually supports terrorist activities and who ignores the call to disband pursuing nuclear capabilities. I have noticed this change in direction after 06 elections. I wonder what influence this has had if any?

Trig.

Syria isn't a puppet of Iran, what the US should be doing is engaging with Syria to isolate Iran, but you have f****d that up, Bush should have opened up Syria like Nixon opened up China.

Syria not a puppet of Iran? Good God man, how the hell do you think Iranian armaments got into the hands of Hezbollah in Lebanon? Do you think they were FedEx'd there, bypassing Syria? :lol:

[Gdawg007]

The American wrote: Timmytour wrote: Is this a mark of progress in Iraq?

At about the same time that America was restoring diplomatic relations with Saddam the State Department was removing Iraq from its list of states supporting international terrorism, diplomatic relations between Iraq and Syria were severed.

How things change. Despite the American hostility towards Syria and its presence in Iraq, Syria and Iraq have now restored diplomatic relations.

http://news.independent.co.uk/world/middle_east/article2002057.ece

Quote: Iraq and Syria restore diplomatic relations
AP
Published: 21 November 2006
Diplomatic relations between Syria and Iraq were restored today after being severed 24 years ago.

Iraqi government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh said: "The latest talks between the Syrian and Iraqi side have been crowned by declaring a new era with the participation of the Syrian brothers in working on the security and stability with Iraq and restoring full diplomatic relations."

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moallem arrived in Iraq on Sunday in the first such visit by a senior Syrian official since the 2003 fall of Saddam Hussein's regime. He was expected to return to Damascus later today.

After the signing ceremony, Iraq's Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari told reporters that the names of ambassadors would be announced soon.

"Iraq's flag will fly in the sky of Damascus and Syria's flag will fly in the sky of Baghdad," Zebari said.

On arrival, Moallem had called for a timetable for the withdrawal of US forces, saying that would reduce violence.

Zebari said the presence of the 140,000-strong American force was "approved by the Iraqi government".

Syria broke diplomatic ties with Iraq in 1982, accusing it of inciting riots in Syria by the banned Muslim Brotherhood. Damascus also sided with Iran in the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war.

Trade ties between Iraq and Syria were restored in 1997.

Diplomatic relations between Syria and Iraq were restored today after being severed 24 years ago.

Iraqi government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh said: "The latest talks between the Syrian and Iraqi side have been crowned by declaring a new era with the participation of the Syrian brothers in working on the security and stability with Iraq and restoring full diplomatic relations."

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moallem arrived in Iraq on Sunday in the first such visit by a senior Syrian official since the 2003 fall of Saddam Hussein's regime. He was expected to return to Damascus later today.

After the signing ceremony, Iraq's Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari told reporters that the names of ambassadors would be announced soon.
"Iraq's flag will fly in the sky of Damascus and Syria's flag will fly in the sky of Baghdad," Zebari said.

On arrival, Moallem had called for a timetable for the withdrawal of US forces, saying that would reduce violence.

Zebari said the presence of the 140,000-strong American force was "approved by the Iraqi government".

Syria broke diplomatic ties with Iraq in 1982, accusing it of inciting riots in Syria by the banned Muslim Brotherhood. Damascus also sided with Iran in the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war.

Trade ties between Iraq and Syria were restored in 1997.

Increasingly I get the feeling that Bush has been played for a fool and anticipated with ease.

The whole Iraqi situation seems to be playing into every "unfriendly" nations hands and not the USA´s :(

It is my opinion, we should stick to our guns and not negotiate with terrorist states. Especially in the building of a free nation. Syria is a puppet of Iran, in who continually supports terrorist activities and who ignores the call to disband pursuing nuclear capabilities. I have noticed this change in direction after 06 elections. I wonder what influence this has had if any?

Trig.

The more we isolate the "terrorist" supporting states, the more we encourage them to band together. The best way to defeat any group is to divide them.