Tag Archives: Syria

The Weatherman and the Wind

Posted on March 15, 2011 by jonathanspyer

05/04/2010 Bob Dylan wrote that “you don’t need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows.” With great respect to Dylan, however, if you are truly looking to ascertain the direction of the winds in a particular place and … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Culture of Tyranny

Posted on March 15, 2011 by jonathanspyer

13/02/2008 The ancient city of Damascus received another mark of recognition last week. Following in the wake of Liverpool – which was recognized as the European Capital of Culture, and Stavanger in Norway, which was named the non-EU European Capital … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Lebanon 2006: Unfinished War

Posted on March 15, 2011 by jonathanspyer

22/02/2008 The Lebanon war of 2006 failed to resolve any of the issues over which it was fought. Ultimately, the war may be understood as a single campaign within a broader Middle Eastern conflict–between pro-Western and democratic states on the … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Subtly and determinedly, Syria is taking over Lebanon

Posted on March 10, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Global Politician 08/08/2008 Lebanese President Michel Suleiman is to visit Syria next week, to discuss the opening of diplomatic relations between the countries, a Lebanese official told reporters this week. French President Nicolas Sarkozy last month hailed President Bashar Assad’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Assad’s Shopping List

Posted on March 10, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Global Politician- 27/08/2008 President Bashar Assad of Syria began a trip to Russia this week. Russian news agency RIA Novosti has quoted the Syrian Information Ministry as confirming that the trip will last two days. According to the statement, the … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Damascus Gets What it Needs

Posted on March 10, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Global Politician- 25/05/2009 In his letter to Congress announcing the renewal of US sanctions on Syria, President Barack Obama was specific regarding the reasons for his decision. Syria, the President said, was “supporting terrorism, pursuing weapons of mass destruction and … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Syria’s Goose Lays a Golden Egg

Posted on March 10, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Global Politician- 27/07/2009 Washington’s decision to return its ambassador to Syria is the latest stage in the present administration’s policy of engagement with Damascus. It relates most importantly to the US desire to secure Syrian cooperation in the build-up to … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

For Assad, Conflict is a Raison d’Etre

Posted on March 9, 2011 by jonathanspyer

05/09/2009 The Baghdad government’s assertion of Syrian responsibility for the explosions which killed more than 100 people in Iraq on August 19 has re focused attention to Syrian policy vis-a-vis its eastern neighbor. Syria’s approach in Iraq offers a prime … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Talk softly, and carry a large Carrot!

Posted on March 9, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Jerusalem Post-29/07/2009 The region is currently witnessing a concerted attempt by Saudi Arabia to mend its relations with the Syrian regime. This effort derives from Riyadh’s fear of Iran, and its sense that now may be an opportune moment to … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Iran-Syria Alliance in Harmony

Posted on March 9, 2011 by jonathanspyer

01/06/2009 President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran and President Bashar Assad of Syria reconfirmed the close alliance between their two countries during the Iranian president’s visit to Damascus this week. Ahmadinejad’s visit came on the eve of the return of two … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment