When will mcbush begin his criticism of Israel: Israel is appeasing Syria as we speak

Israel says it is holding peace talks with Syria

By MATTI FRIEDMAN
Associated Press Writer

JERUSALEM (AP) -- Israel and Syria on Wednesday said they were holding indirect peace talks through Turkish mediators - the first official confirmation of contacts between the longtime enemies.

In statements issued minutes apart, the two governments said they "have declared their intent to conduct these talks in good faith and with an open mind," with a goal of reaching "a comprehensive peace."

Both nations thanked Turkey for its help, and Turkey issued its own confirmation. Muslim Turkey has good ties with both Israel and Syria.

There have been reports in recent months of new Israeli-Syrian contacts through Turkey, and Turkey's foreign minister said earlier this month that his country was trying to bring the sides together. But this was the first official confirmation that contacts have resumed.

An Israeli government official said Olmert's chief of staff and diplomatic adviser have been in Turkey since Monday. "In parallel their Syrian counterparts are in Turkey as well," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the talks. He declined to discuss the substance of the talks.


on note: Peace talks with Syria??? GASP
"...with an open mind." HORROR and SHUDDER

Syria has been sponsoring groups that fire grenades into Israel...and, and, and...they're talkingto them.
How dare the Israeli's.

These appeasers. I'll tell you.


Okay... now...If Israel can meet with Syria in a mediated open dialog, why can't we meet with Iran in the same vein?

link:
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/I/ISRAEL_SYRIA?SITE=ILMOL&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

If they're going to cut him out of the peace process, how can he ever hope to keep them at each others' throats?

I mean, if my daughters were having a disagreement he's the last person I'd want mediating it.

With his help they'd probably burn down the house and half of the city with it.

If Israel is "appeasing" Syria, directly, and possibly even holding "back channel" talks with Hamas, peace could eventually break out. George hates that.

is not one who knows the finer points of negotiation and diplomacy. They are quite adept at bullying and bashing their way toward their objectives, but it takes a modicum of intelligence and understanding to effectively negotiate with your opponents.

BushCo is irretrievably trapped in the "Wild West" mentality, where might makes right, and all problems are seen in black and white. This mind-set precludes any possibility of sincere statesmanship on our part.

Hopefully, with the departure of Bush and his cronies, and the return of intelligence and dignity to our government, we will rediscover our lost diplomatic voice.