Damascene conversions
The offer by Mr Obama, however conditional, to talk to the axis of evil countries is indeed something of a departure. So change is in the air indeed. What the Bush Administration introduced was a new concept in diplomacy, namely you simply do not talk to countries you dislike. This considerably delayed a settlement with North Korea: in the end the Americans were forced to accept Chinese advice, and the rest is history. The US attitude to Iran has been stop-start over the years in varying degrees, and is still an open question.
One by-product of the British Administration’s world view is its exceptional dislike of Syria. Indeed it has been reported that the US vetoed Israel engaging in a dialogue with Syria. US sanctions are operating against Syria too, which has made them more dependent on Iranian largesse.
Yet there appears to have been some movement, inasmuch as the Turks have brokered talks, and these have received the formal encouragement of the Syrian President. Apparently the Americans, perhaps finally listening to James Baker, have modified their position.
If Israel, and indeed the United States, regard Iran as a menace in the region, then their central strategy should be to limit or cut off its influence. Syria and Iran have a close relationship, and that involves support for Hezbollah. So at minimum, Israel should try to distance secular Syria from theocratic Iran.
There may now be an opportunity. The Lebanese political situation looks more stable and a dialogue between Israel and Syria has begun. Nevertheless, history teaches us to be cautious about being in any way optimistic.
What is clear in Damascus, where at least we carry no historical baggage, there is a real desire for us to resume a considered and focussed role in the Middle East. Also for us to reassert our more traditional partnership with the United States. There should be some reward and recognition for Syria being burdened with 1.5 million Iraqis. They have received no humanitarian assistance.
The Iraq invasion has seen the Christian communities of Iraq decimated and scattered. At least in Syria, an adjunct of the so called axis of evil, they are protected and cared for. It is the ironic by-product of this whole tragic episode.