If we are to succeed, we will need Arabs and Israelis alike to work with us to bring about comprehensive peace. We will welcome the full cooperation of the government of the Syrian Arab Republic in this historic endeavor.Mitchell, who is on a regional tour that includes Israel, described his discussion with Assad as "very candid and positive" but he did not say what the United States expected from Syria, especially on Hamas.
The ties between Damascus and Washington have deteriorated in the past few years, in part over U.S. objections to Syria's support for Hamas. However, there has been some improvement in the relationship since Barack Obama gained the presidency and put Middle East Peace as a top U.S. priority.
While remaining under U.S. sanctions, Obama has decided to return an ambassador to Syria, and stated that the U.S. would take new steps to ease American sanctions against it on a case-by-case basis.
The New York Times reported that it is another notable instance of the Obama administration opening the door to Syria on what it calls a basis of mutual interest and respect — and as part of a broader strategy of trying to get the country to turn away from its alliances with Iran and Islamic militant groups.
The indirect talks between Syria and Israel, which were being mediated by Turkey, were suspended during the Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip in December. Turkey said this month it was ready to resume mediation of those talks.
HEADLINES
PM, Mitchell say deal on settlement construction near (Ha'aretz)
Far-rightists urge IDF draftees to cover up abuse of Palestinians (Ha'aretz)
The world smiles on Obama, but not Israel (Ha'aretz)
Israeli FM wraps up Latin American tour (AFP)
Report: Arab countries refuse US request to normalize ties with Israel (Jerusalem Post)
In Obama's Middle East Push, a Message to Tehran (TIME)
Palestine and the Palestinians
Hamas adds demands to alleged deal for safe passage of Fatah members (Ma'an)
Tunnel disasters continue in Gaza; 7 injured overnight (Ma'an)
Ex-Arafat aide guilty in Karine A case (Jerusalem Post)
Palestinians: Coming weeks dramatic for peace process (Ynet)
Israel
Israeli court awards injured Bil’in protester damages (Ma'an)
Palestinians will overthrow Hamas one day: Israeli premier (Times of India)
It’s Crunch Time for Israel on Iran (Wall Street Journal)
Israel stopped NC jihad suspect's family in 2007 (AP)
Newspaper readership actually grows in Israel (Globes)
Israel dismantles West Bank settler outpost (Ha'aretz)
Israel to buy swine flu vaccine for entire population (AFP)
Summer fun returns to southern Israel (Ynet)
The Neighbors
Saudi rejects Israel recognition without withdrawal (AFP)
Israel angry at UNIFIL-Hizbullah contact (Jerusalem Post)
Israel might talk with Lebanon by reviving 1949 armistice commission (Ha'aretz)
Egypt Waits for Obama to Deliver (TIME)
US Foreign Policy
US pressure on Arab states grows (BBC)
US national security advisor meets Israeli officials (AFP)
International Relations/Law
Blair gives construction go ahead; Israel issues demolition orders (Ma'an)
British Parliament committee regrets its equipment was used by Israel in Gaza (Ynet)
UN: Israel must allow building supplies to Gaza (AP)
Israel delegation to UN wins praise from unexpected source (Ha'aretz)
Israel targets U.K. funding of controversial leftist group (Ha'aretz)
Israel rejects French calls to freeze settlements (AFP)
Arts and Activism
Hollywood gets hot for Israel (JTA)
For some Palestinians, peace is a day at the beach (AP)
Syria: Iraqi artists, now refugees, struggle to pursue art in exile (Christian Science Monitor)
Misc.
Disney to launch channel in Israel (JTA)
Palestinian in ‘Brüno’ Plans to Sue Film’s Star (New York Times)
Commentary
Analysis: Israel-Palestinian calm could ease talks (AP)
Bohlen: Telling Israel No: Obama's Bold Move (New York Times)
Ben-Meir: Obama's peace offensive (Part 1) (Huffington Post)
Ben-Meir: Obama's peace offensive (Part 2) (Huffington Post)
Zogby: Accepting a Palestinian state (Al-Ahram)
Cohen: About a community of anti-Zionist Jews (Maan News)
Avnery: Obama, Netanyahu, and the settlements (Counterpunch)
Cook: Can an "Arab soul" yearn for Israel's anthem? (Counterpunch)
Analysis: U.S. gives Israel 'big hug' (CNN)
Abu Nimah: Using the U.N. to undermine Palestinian rights (al-Arabiya)
Views expressed on this post or on linked web pages do not represent the Palestine Center, the educational program of the Jerusalem Fund for Education and Community Development. All content is for educational purposes only.
