Syrian Warning is no Rhetoric

Damascus is known for keeping a low profile. It neither believes in playing to the gallery nor exhausting its potential in vain. This is why Syria’s acts and words are followed with great caution. Prime Minister Naji Al-Otari’s warning on Saturday that any new Middle East war would be catastrophic for the region and beyond cannot be dismissed as a mere statement.

Published: Mon 22 Feb 2010, 9:14 PM

Last updated: Mon 6 Apr 2015, 1:41 PM

Damascus has for long pursued a path of restraint and reconciliation in its endeavour to see a lasting solution to the territorial disputes in the region, including the return of Golan Heights to its sovereignty. By making use of strong words, as a warning to Israel while meeting French Prime Minister Francois Fillon, Syria has conveyed it in unequivocal terms that it won’t tolerate nonsense if Tel Aviv opts for another adventure. Syria is right in saying so as a war this time around could spill out of the region, engulfing the world at large.

Otari’s warning is, in fact, a rejoinder to Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman’s threat that any new conflict would result in the collapse of President Bashar Al-Asad’s government. Lieberman went on to say that Damascus should abandon its attempts to reclaim the Golan Heights, occupied by Israel in 1967, as it has relinquished its dream of a greater Syria that apparently means controlling Lebanon. This is brinkmanship on the part of Lieberman at a time when Syria is pursuing a path of rapprochement with its Arab and Western allies. The Israeli leader’s words are nothing more than an attempt to provoke Syria, and raise war hysteria to serve its objectives. In fact, the Jewish state is perpetually in a state of war with its neighbours.

Damascus stands at the crossroads of a breakthrough these days. Its diplomatic strengths are being acknowledged in Western capitals. This is why Washington has lifted its travel warning to Syria, and London and Paris are eager to rewrite a new relationship with the Arab country. Restoration of full diplomatic relations with the exchange of ambassadors between Syria and the US will herald the beginning of a new chapter in their bilateralism. Damascus has already made its mark by patching up with Iraq and Saudi Arabia, and opting to stay clear of Lebanese affairs. Now is the time for the world community to stand with Syria and broker a permanent solution to the pestering conflict in the Middle East. Realisation of a two-state solution and evacuation of all occupied Arab territories is essential for peace. Israel should take Syria’s warning seriously and end its war-mongering policies in the region.