The plans for a 'New Middle East' have suffered serious setbacks recently, what with the declaration of defeat (The ISG report), the Israeli fiasco in Lebanon and the strengthened position of Iran. Tony Blair is currently in the region talking about an alliance of the 'moderates' (read belly dancing Arab regimes) and much much talk about trying to draw Syria away from Iran and so isolating Iran. Mr Moallem may not have mentioned the Golan, but that doesn't mean it is no longer a prime strategic concern for Syria. If Hezbullah succeed in pushing for a modestly decent government for Lebanon as opposed to Siniora's "belly dancing in training", tea serving, March 14-esque one, then it adds another player into the equation.

Yes I know the economy is dire in Syria, corruption is rampant and life is difficult, but I shudder to think what would happen to us if we sell out to the project Americana. I don't want Syria to end up neither like Iraq nor like Egypt....for that matter, I don't wish those countries to be in their current states either!

(Thanks Wassim)