Defense officials back US bid to send envoy to Syria

I am trying to figure out what kind of United States has developed where the toughest Israelis in the world, the top Israeli military brass, want a U.S. ambassador in Syria, and other gestures, whereas the true impediment to that are right wing Republican Senators supported by a militant wing of the American public goaded on by Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh, Sarah Palin and of course Charles Krauthamer. Where do these Americans get the arrogance to be even more violent in their politics than the Israeli military? I think it is legitimate to take sides within the Israeli debate, but I do not understand being to the right of the right of the Israeli military. Of course, there is no logic to politics, there is only the logic of vote grabbing, and one gets votes in America today by demonizing any and all foreigners you can get your hands on, anything to avoid personal or collective responsibility.

I understand this logic of politics, but I hope no one confuses it with sane or rational foreign policy.

Defense officials back US bid to send envoy to SyriaBy YAAKOV KATZ 09/05/2010 01:46Top IDF officers say an American ambassador, US aid money may help convince Syria to sit down at the negotiating table, break ties with Iran and Hizbullah. In February, President Barack Obama announced the appointment of career diplomat Robert Ford as the new US ambassador to Damascus, as part of a new strategy of rapprochement with Syria.While six months has passed since then, Ford’s appointment has yet to be confirmed by the Senate. Some reports have indicated that Israel is behind the delays due to opposition to the US decision to restore full diplomatic ties with Syria.RELATED:Barak heads to Russia in bid to halt Iran, Syria arms dealArab World: Syria’s comeback gameSyria reportedly signs pact with HizbullahWhile this may have been the case in the past, based on conversations with top IDF officers and Defense Ministry officials this week, the defense establishment actually appears to support Obama’s decision to appoint a new ambassador to Syria.Defense Minister Ehud Barak, IDF Chief of General Staff Lt.- Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi, OC Military Intelligence Maj.-Gen. Amos Yadlin and OC Planning Branch Maj.-Gen. Amir Eshel have all voiced support in meetings with the political echelon for Israel to negotiate peace with Syria.

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