Does Assad want war or peace? It depends who's interviewing him

[Behind the Aegis]

Damascus is interested in peace talks with Israel and not in wiping it off the map, Syrian President Bashar Assad declared in an interview yesterday. Assad said that as part of the peace, the two countries would enjoy "normal relations," adding that he recognizes the fact that Syria must live alongside Israel, which has a right to exist.

"It is obvious... otherwise why negotiate?" Assad said in fluent English in an interview with John Simpson of the BBC.

This is the sixth time since the end of the fighting in Lebanon on August 14 that the Syrian leader has called for peace talks with Israel.

Assad made use of two analogies to discuss the need for peace negotiations. The first concerned a steering wheel held by a number of drivers, with Assad emphasizing the importance of making sure that everyone involved wished to reach the same place. The second was about two dancers: "If one dances the tango and the other the waltz, both will fall," he warned.


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[breakaleg]

1. This is the best part...

"The Syrian leader rejected Simpson's statement that in Israel, Syria was perceived as wishing to wipe it off the map. "Your question is the proof that they are not paying close attention in their reading," the Syrian president said. "They neither read the lines nor between the lines... How can we wish to wipe Israel off the map and at the same time ask for peace and negotiations? To wipe someone out and talk about normalcy? That is not objective."
---snip----

It seems Israel chooses to see and hear what they want, and what they want is to further their cause. If all of their neighbors are viewed to want them gone, it gives them a great excuse to continue with their military aggression.

[shergald]

2. Does anyone in Israel really fear Syria?

One must doubt it. Syria's military is about the same size as Israel's, but lacks the Made in the USA quality. Assad understands that.