As France calls Iran a "moderating force" in the Middle East, and their foreign minister offers to fly to Tehran, Germany has been trying to bring Syria in from the cold.

Germany is thought to have been authorised by Washington to speak to Syria - the US refuses to talk to Syria.

Germany is to offer a package of economic incentives to move away from Iran - it will include a closer relationship with the EU. The idea has France's backing, which has had a frosty relationship with Syria since the Hariri killing.