Syria has suddenly become the centre of attention amongst the US and European nations. The IAEA team is now in the country to inspect the alleged damaged nuclear plant bombed by Israel. The US says the Syrians have cleared the site and rebuilt it, so one doubts if anything concrete will come out of the inspection.
But the west has understood that Syria can do much nuclear mischief if it keeps co-operating with Iran and North Korea. Another important factor is that it has influence over Hamas in Gaza and the Hezbollah in Lebanon. So the Europeans have changed tactics. Now instead of treating Syria as a rogue, efforts are on to woo it. The belief is if Syria is drawn away from Iran, the latter country will be considerably weakened.
What are the baits? Europe has offered big money and an end to the Hariri assassination probe. Syria in return will have to do as the west wants on Iran, Hamas and Hezbollah (in Lebanon).
The French president Sarkozy has taken the initiative to woo Syria as part of his Middle East ambitions of bringing peace in the region. He wants Syria and Israel to get talking again.
The Europeans have other reason to want Syria on its side. Gas and oil. Russian supply is steady but is giving Putin enormous clout. An alternative could be Iraqi oil to Europe through Turkey, Jordan and Syria. Syria could be appropriately rewarded for the transit facilities.
With all this at stake it seems unlikely the IAEA will confirm Syria’s nuclear activities. That is if Syria reacts positively to the European flirting. Otherwise it is back to the harsh US line again.
Source: LA Times Blogs
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