Another call for liberation...

[cantwealljustgetalong]

THE Syrian regime's political maneuver, in holding a ministerial conference of Iraq's neighbours didn't bear any fruit. The regime was aiming to play the same old broken record of Arab patriotism, so it could continue to play the role which it is used to playing by interfering in the internal affairs of other countries. It was planning to live off others irrespective of the balance of power in the region.

Representatives of Iraq's neighbours - who attended the conference - succeeded in steering the conference away from a confrontation with the US while it is carrying out its mission in Iraq. Instead, they made sure the conference supported the US policies in Iraq. Iran showed complete understanding of the consequences of its nuclear programme. Turkey - which is aware of the sensitivity of sending its troops to Iraq - allayed fears it is planning to divide Iraq.

These countries were wise enough to force the Syrian regime to reevaluate its policy in view of the new international realities. The Syrian regime has understood Israel and Lebanon enjoy the backing of America and that the US will rely on them to punish Syria. This makes us ask several questions. What are the plans of the Syrian regime? What role does it expect to play in the region? and does it expect the US and other nations to approve of its plans?

Iran and Turkey have done what was expected of them, calm international opinion. Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Jordan are known for their understanding of the current situation in the region. These countries participate in various international fora accordingly. That leaves only the Syrian regime. This regime - which is keen to do an encore in Iraq for what it did in Lebanon - has no place in the changed international circumstances.

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Countries which participated in the conference have taught a valuable lesson to the Syrian regime. They played their cards right and concluded nobody should interfere in the internal affairs of Iraq. They have decided all the neighbours of Iraq should work on stabilising the security situation in Iraq and prevent terrorists from infiltrating through their borders into Iraq. They have legitimised the US presence in Iraq and its role in building a bright future for Iraq to make that country become a model state in the region.

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http://www.arabtimesonline.com/arabtimes/opinion/view.asp?msgID=257