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US sends ambassador to Syria after four-year absence

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Published Date: 25 June 2009
By Steven Hurst
THE United States is to send an ambassador to Syria for the first time in four years, marking an acceleration of Washington's engagement with the Arab world.
The move reinforces President Barrack Obama's determination, outlined in his Cairo speech earlier this month, to deepen America's role in the Middle East, as he seeks to broker peace between Israel and its Arab neighbours and improve US relations in the region.

Syria is key to establishing peace with Israel, which still occupies the Golan Heights, captured from Damascus in 1967.

Yesterday, a spokesman for the US state department said: "We informed (Syria's] ambassador (Imad] Moustafa last night and, I believe early today, informed the foreign ministry in Damascus that we have made a decision to return an ambassador to Damascus.

"This is in line with the president's desire to engage Syria diplomatically to resolve a number of issues of concern to the United States."

Washington withdrew its ambassador from Syria in 2005 in protest over the assassination of former Lebanese premier Rafik al-Hariri. A UN inquiry initially implicated Syrian and Lebanese officials, but later reports were more circumspect. Syria denies any involvement in the killing.





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  • Last Updated: 24 June 2009 8:33 PM
  • Source: The Scotsman
  • Location: Edinburgh
 
1

,

25/06/2009 02:49:15
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2

Lynne,

25/06/2009 02:58:56
It's not at the expense of Israel.. Not to worry.. He will be a 1 term President. The focus groups here show that. When it comes to Israel he is very much like Carter.. and Bush 41... and they were both 1 term Presidents.
3

,

25/06/2009 03:00:11
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4

Jim A,

25/06/2009 03:28:46
"US sends ambassador to Syria after four-year absence"

That's nice.
5

,

25/06/2009 03:53:14
Comment Removed By Administrator
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6

Max Mer,

25/06/2009 06:29:40
About time.
7

Carolyn 1,

vacation!! 25/06/2009 19:56:50
Against the policy of the Whitehouse, Pelosi and her gang went to Syria during the 'no-go period because she said her policy was different than Bush's...- Wasn't it round about the time the Syrians were getting their nuclear facility up and running which the Israelis took out-

maybe this new batch of ambassadors can finally accomplish some diplomatic revelations with the story of who supplied the nuclear enrichment- China, Iran, Pakistan or North Korea?

Oh I forgot. Ambassadors have no job experience in government, policy or anything. They just make donations to the campaign and get "appointed" to these demanding, diplomatic and very important "appointments"
8

Carolyn 1,

25/06/2009 20:04:57
Lynne @2
I agree.
I was pretty convinced we would have 8, 12, 16 years of Obama administration, but now that everything he is doing is teetering on failure, (even though the media is still in the tank) I think he will be a one term president. I think his handling of Iran is a missed opportunity, and going to be used as his greatest failure.
As I said many times, I can see why democrats like him, but he was too young and too inexperienced, he needed twenty years to develop the various qualities needed to be a world leader
9

Number 6,

Germany 25/06/2009 21:05:09
Well done America. Dialouge is the way forward.

Obama has the gravitas to engage the leaders of the region, and is their greatest hope.

Any sabre rattling by Israel, terrified of peace, can be swatted down by a serious threat to stop propping up their economy.

Carolyn, as your Presidents can only serve a total of 2
consecutive terms, how on earth could you have been convinced you would have 8 12 16 years of his administration ?

Did you fear the American people would demand he was allowed to stand repeatedly ?
10

Carolyn 1,

25/06/2009 21:14:54
@9
Michelle Obama is adding to her staff this week and putting out orders to stay parallel and connected with the west wing agenda, they sit in on every meeting every day. She's hiring a full time speech writer, etc in order to start work on her agenda, to have more substance.

Inasmuch as Hillary ran for president after hubby Bill, it would be truly naive to not think that Ms. Obama is not thinking along similar lines
11

Carolyn 1,

25/06/2009 21:21:07
@9
Did you fear the American people would demand he was allowed to stand repeatedly ?"


His popularity is still good, but his approval rating is dropping. Today's polling shows that for weeks now, only 37% of Americans think the country is going in the right direction
Things are not looking so good for the shining capital on the hill, or for we the people
12

John Peters,

26/06/2009 02:25:29
#10 Carolyn
What a great idea. Michelle Obama running for Presidency one day, against say Sarah Palin perhaps? Now that would be a showdown. I think Michelle though would win quite comfortably though considering her husband is performing so well.
13

Let's have the truth,

Australia 27/06/2009 11:31:09
Carolyn, Lynne

You are both a pair of sore losers. Obama is showing he has maturity, common sense, a sense of justice and he's tough when needed.

If you could learn to understand his stance on the Palestinians and Israel you would both be better off.

Considering the Bush fiasco left Obama with the worst possible situation imaginable, he's doing a fantastic job.

You are to be pitied.
14

Bright Spark,

03/07/2009 16:26:08
The US should have send an ambassador to Syria years ago.

 

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