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Publication Date: March 2009
Publisher: Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs
Author(s): David Schenker
Research Area: Government; International relations
Keywords: peace process; syria; israel; barak obama
Type: Report
Coverage: United States Syria Israel
Abstract:
In early March, two senior U.S. officials traveled to Damascus for the highest-level bilateral meeting in years, part of the new administration's policy of "engagement." Based on Syria's track record, there is little reason to be optimistic that the Obama administration will succeed where others have failed. Damascus today remains a brutal dictatorship, which derives its regional influence almost exclusively through its support for terrorism in neighboring states and, by extension, through its 30-year strategic alliance with Tehran.